Liwa International Festival 2026 Opens in Al Dhafra Desert

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 16 December 2025: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, inaugurated the Liwa International Festival 2026, held under their patronage until 3 January 2026 in the scenic Al Dhafra Region.

During their visit, Their Highnesses toured the festival grounds and were briefed on the major sporting events, heritage exhibitions, and family-focused attractions that make the festival a premier winter destination. They also visited Liwa Village, the cultural heart of the festival, showcasing Emirati art, heritage experiences, and interactive family activities.

The opening ceremony dazzled attendees with an immersive show combining sound, light, lasers, drones, and a grand fireworks display illuminating the Liwa desert. The UAE’s official aerobatic team, Al Fursan, performed a special aerial demonstration, adding to the spectacle.

Dignitaries present at the event included Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Zayed bin Hazaa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hazaa bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Yas bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, and His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism of DCT Abu Dhabi.

Organised by DCT Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Office, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Miral, the festival—known as The Desert’s Grand Stage—offers a rich programme blending culture, adventure, and entertainment.

The festival features an extensive lineup of motorsports competitions, including speed races, dune challenges, freestyle shows, sand racing, drift and burnout contests, drag racing, and UTV circuit races. For the first time, the Extreme Mud Fest driving challenge will thrill spectators, alongside falconry tournaments, electronic freestyle championships, sand wrestling, and boxing matches.

Festival-goers can enjoy spectacular light and drone shows, hot air balloon rides, and weekend fireworks. A special New Year’s Eve concert will culminate in a grand fireworks display, while the Moreeb Dune Car Championship promises high-octane action for motorsports fans.

Liwa Village continues to celebrate the UAE’s heritage through traditional souks, creative workshops, and family-friendly zones, offering activities like water karting, carnival games, zip lines, escape rooms, smash rooms, petting zoos, pony rides, and live stage performances. Visitors can also savour Emirati delicacies alongside international cuisine.

Liwa International Festival 2026 highlights Al Dhafra Region as a leading destination for adventure, culture, sports, and family entertainment, attracting camping enthusiasts, desert explorers, traditional sports lovers, and speed racing fans from across the UAE and beyond.