Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Sweeping waves of golden sand, quiet skies and adrenaline-fuelled competitions are leaving newcomers mesmerised at the Liwa International Festival 2025, where the vast Rub’ al Khali desert offers more than just thrills.
For many, it is their first encounter with the scale and excitement in the Liwa desert. Running until January 3, the annual festival blends Emirati heritage with motorsports, including camel races, falconry, classic car shows and sand-drag competitions.
This year will also feature a New Year’s Eve fireworks display, set to draw even more visitors to the heart of Al Dhafra for an unforgettable close to the year.
Jomana Tareq, who has been living in Abu Dhabi for four years, visited the Liwa festival for the first time this year.
“For years I heard about Liwa, but nothing prepared me for the beauty of those dunes. The colours, the size of it, it is nothing like I imagined,” Tareq told Aletihad.
She said that watching the cars racing on Moreeb dune was a unique experience. “We usually see these trucks and cars on the street cruising normally, but it was phenomenal to witness them drag racing,” she said.
Tareq said that Liwa village offers a great mix of food, music, entertainment and cultural experiences.
“My friends and I really enjoyed the full experience of the festival, the adrenaline and the fun side with the food and different experiences, there was always something to do for everyone,” she added.
Rakan Khoury, who recently moved to the UAE, said that he saw videos from the Liwa festival on social media and decided to go.
“I enjoyed it very much — the sand, speed, the modified cars are insane. I also got a chance to experience being in one of the cars and driving on the sand, it was exciting. I never thought I would get to experience something like this,” Khoury told Aletihad.
He said that it was a good way to get the Emirati experience, through falconry, camel rides, and exploring the desert traditions of Liwa.
