Today's Edition
 highlights Al Dhafra Region as leading winter tourism destination in Abu Dhabi)
AL DHAFRA (ALETIHAD)
Liwa International Festival 2026 concluded after 23 days of festivities in the Al Dhafra Region, welcoming more than 700,000 visitors across the festival period, reflecting continued growth in the event’s scale and appeal.
Held from December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026, the festival once again transformed the area surrounding Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, into a vibrant winter destination, drawing families, motorsports fans, and culture lovers from across the UAE and beyond.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and Miral, Liwa International Festival continued to grow as a major winter event, combining heritage, adventure and entertainment within the unique landscape of the Al Dhafra Region.
At the heart of the festival, Liwa Village was a central hub for families and friends, welcoming 274,440 visitors, marking a 26 percent increase and underscoring its growing appeal as a key gathering and entertainment space during the festival.
Expanded for the 2026 edition, the village featured five themed zones offering cultural activities, live performances, dining experiences, retail, and family entertainment.
Enhancements this year included increased seating capacity, new attractions for adults and children, and a continued focus on sustainability, with solar power supplying a significant portion of daily energy needs.
Motorsports is a defining feature of the festival, and race participation increased by 47 percent this year.
Events included the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, freestyl, and drift competitions, drag racing, off-road challenges and Utility Terrain Vehicle races, alongside large-scale showcases such as Monster Jam and Extreme MudFest, drawing strong competition, and visitor engagement throughout the programme.
Heritage remained a core pillar of the festival, with traditional competitions, cultural showcases, and activations around Tal Moreeb and its surrounding historic sites, reinforcing Al Dhafra Region’s living heritage and desert traditions.
The next edition of Liwa International Festival is scheduled to take place from December 11, 2026 to January 2, 2027, continuing to build on the festival’s growing momentum and community appeal.
Updates and future event announcements can be found on the official website, www.liwainternationalfestival.ae
