The desert came alive in spectacular fashion as Liwa International Festival 2026 officially kicked off on Friday in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, delivering an opening night that was nothing short of jaw-dropping. 🌵✨
To mark the launch, Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa lit up in bold red hues, proudly flashing the Liwa Festival logo in a dazzling LED display. Messages lighting up the world’s tallest tower announced that the festival is officially back — promising bigger thrills, deeper cultural experiences, electrifying entertainment and non-stop family fun.
Royal Presence and a Show-Stopping Opening
Over in Liwa, the opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, alongside Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region — highlighting the festival’s national significance.
Guests were treated to a multi-sensory spectacle featuring immersive soundtracks, laser effects and a breathtaking drone show. The sky lit up with formations of 4×4 vehicles, a falcon, a helmet and hot air balloons, before the night wrapped up with a massive fireworks display exploding over the dunes.
Earlier in the evening, the Al Fursan aerial display team delivered an acrobatic performance that left crowds cheering and cameras rolling.
Tal Moreeb Roars Back to Life
As night fell, adrenaline took over. Hundreds of motorsport fans queued up in their four-wheel-drive vehicles to take on the legendary Tal Moreeb dune, one of the steepest and most challenging sand dunes in the world — and a signature highlight of Liwa Festival.
Meanwhile, Liwa Village buzzed with energy, celebrating Emirati culture through family-friendly rides, creative workshops, live performances and activities designed for visitors of all ages.
High-Octane Motorsports Meet Cultural Heritage
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), Liwa Festival 2026 blends heritage, adventure and entertainment into one action-packed programme.
The festival’s motorsports lineup includes:
- Speed races
- Dune driving challenges
- Freestyle shows
- Sand racing
- Drift and burnout competitions
- Drag races
- UTV circuit challenges
For the first time ever, the festival also introduces the Extreme Mud Fest driving challenge, adding a brand-new layer of thrill to the desert action.
Culture, Cuisine and Sky-High Experiences
Beyond motorsports, visitors can enjoy:
- Falconry championships
- Electronic freestyle competitions
- Sand wrestling and boxing matches
- Hot air balloon rides
- Drone flights and immersive light shows
- Weekend fireworks displays
Food lovers are also in for a treat, with a vibrant culinary scene offering everything from authentic Emirati dishes to international flavours.
The Ultimate New Year’s Desert Escape
With adventure, music and family entertainment rolled into one, Liwa Festival 2026 is shaping up to be one of the UAE’s top destinations to welcome the New Year. 🎆
A special New Year’s Eve concert will lead into a spectacular fireworks finale, while the Moreeb Dune Car Championship promises heart-racing action as 2025 comes to a thrilling close.
If you’re looking for culture, chaos, engines and epic desert vibes — Liwa Festival 2026 is where it’s all happening.
