Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
The wait is over. The Liwa International Festival 2026 is finally here, bringing 23 days of heritage, motorsports, music, and family-friendly activities to the Al Dhafra Region from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026.
Regular festival-goers told Aletihad they are looking forward to another desert adventure.
“The return of Liwa Festival 2026 brought back the true spirit of adventure,” said Hamdan Al Ameri, describing the event as a potent emotional occasion. “Excitement is sparked just by entering the festival grounds; it’s like living the challenge before it even starts. This festival, in my opinion, is an opportunity to highlight young talent and rekindle our connection to the desert.
For Zayed Al Breiki, the festival is more than just a fun, sporting event.
“What makes Liwa 2026 special is how it brings all generations together in one place,” he said. “The thing that brought me the greatest joy was witnessing young people get ready once more, as though the event had revitalised the local passion. We are constantly motivated and reminded of the power of our culture by Liwa.”
Al Breiki’s analysis emphasises the festival’s sense of community, which fosters a common area for viewers, families, and explorers alike.
Ahmed Hussein also spoke of a sense of community. “I see the return of Liwa Festival 2026 as a reflection of today’s youth ambitions,” he said.
“For me, the festival is more than simply an occasion; it’s a place where we connect, share stories, and share our love of motors and exploration. We really needed it when it returned.”
Highlights of Liwa 2026
This year, the festival opens with the Forsan Al Emarat show, the official aerobatics demonstration team of the UAE Air Force, and a captivating display of fireworks, light shows, drone shows, and more are set to light up the desert sky.
The motorsport action kicks off with Freestyle Drift on December 12-13 and 22-23, followed by the Spartan Race Liwa on December 13 and Bike Drag Racing on December 14.
The excitement continues with Falconry on December 15-17, showcasing precision and heritage, followed by the Car Stunt Championship on December 19-20.
A first-time event, Extreme Mudfest, will also take place on December 19-20, bringing the biggest and most exhilarating motorsport experience to the desert sands.
The Liwa Running Challenge follows on December 20, together with the Liwa Cycling Race and Liwa UTV on December 21.
On December 23-24, the Pigeon Hunt Competition takes place, leading into the high-energy Liwa Burnout Championship on December 25.
On December 26-27, the desert will roar to life with Liwa Drift, Monster Jam, and the Tal Moreeb Running Challenge on December 26, while the Liwa Padel Championship and Liwa Cycling Challenge run from December 26 to 28 and on 27 December.
Motorsport fans can also enjoy the Sand Wrestling Championship on December 26 to 27, followed by the return of the Car Stunt Championship on December 28 to 29.
The festival continues with the Electronic Freestyle Championship on December 30, and the Tal Moreeb Car Championship from December 31 to January 3, featuring multiple racing categories.
The programme also includes football and padel every weekend, as well as boxing from December 15 to 21.
The Jetour Travel Conference will also take place on December 19, 20 and 21.
Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy daily Dune Projection Shows and Drone Shows and Hot Air Balloons every weekend, transforming the Liwa desert skyline each evening into a spectacular display of light, sound, and motion.
Water karting and mini tank paintball will be available daily from December 12 to January 3.
Fireworks will illuminate the desert sky during the opening ceremony, weekends, New Year’s Eve and the closing ceremony.
At the heart of the festival lies Liwa Village, a lively hub of entertainment and discovery designed for all ages. Families can enjoy water karting, carnival rides, skill games, pony rides and two thrilling ziplines.
The Classic Car Museum, Auto Zone, Horror Escape Room, and Smash Room add extra excitement, while younger visitors will love the Pony Grove and petting zoo.
Attractions this year include the Souk Zone and Pop-Up
Heritage Shops for handmade crafts and local treasures, while the Performance Stage hosts live music, cultural acts and daily entertainment.
New Year’s Eve at the festival is set to be unforgettable. On 31 December, the Tal Moreeb Car Championship begins its three-day run, setting the stage for thrilling motorsport as 2025 turns to 2026.
Visitors can enjoy a special New Year’s Eve concert, followed by a stunning fireworks show.
