The UAE’s much-loved desert spectacle, the Liwa International Festival 2025, is making a grand comeback this winter. Held beneath the majestic Tal Moreeb dune – the tallest in the UAE, this 23-day extravaganza promises a vibrant mix of culture, motorsport, and family-friendly fun from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026.
With free general admission, the festival transforms the tranquil Al Dhafra desert into a buzzing hub of adrenaline, tradition, and entertainment. From thrilling dune races and heritage markets to glamping nights and fireworks, this desert spectacle joins the line-up of the UAE’s best winter festivals and outdoor events, offering residents and visitors yet another reason to explore beyond the city lights.
When and Where: The Heart of the Action
Set in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, the Liwa International Festival takes place at the base of Tal Moreeb, meaning “Terrifying Hill” in Arabic, a name well-earned by the dune’s towering height and steep incline. The site is roughly a three-hour drive from Abu Dhabi City and offers one of the most scenic desert backdrops in the country.
Visitors driving from Dubai can expect an easy highway route via Sheikh Zayed Road (E10), which leads directly to the festival grounds. The desert roads are well-marked, and parking areas are conveniently located near the main arena.
A Line-Up of Desert Thrills and Cultural Delights
Each year, the Liwa International Festival grows bigger — and the 2025 edition is no exception. This season’s calendar is packed with over 20 days of racing, entertainment, and cultural showcases.
Motorsport Highlights
Speed and skill take center stage with events such as:
- Freestyle Drift (December 12–13 and 22–23)
- Bike Drag Racing (December 14)
- Car Stunt Championship (December 19–20 and 28–29)
- Mud Fest (December 19–20)
- Liwa Burnout Championship (December 25)
- Monster Jam and Tal Moreeb Running Challenge (December 26–27)
- Tal Moreeb Car Championship (December 31–January 3)
For motorsport fans, few sights are as thrilling as powerful vehicles climbing the massive slopes of Tal Moreeb dune at full throttle, a signature attraction of the festival.
Cultural and Family Experiences
The festival isn’t just about engines and dust. At Liwa Village, families can enjoy carnival rides, pony rides, and ziplines. There’s also a Classic Car Museum, an Auto Zone, and unique attractions like a Horror Escape Room and Smash Room.
Children can explore the petting zoo or ride ponies at the Pony Grove, while adults can browse through the Souk Zone, filled with local crafts, handmade goods, and traditional Emirati products. Live performances, from music to dance and cultural acts, bring a festive energy that lasts well into the night.
Visual Magic: Drones, Fireworks, and Hot Air Balloons
Each evening, Liwa’s skies light up with a dazzling combination of drone and dune projection shows — transforming the desert landscape into a living canvas.
The opening ceremony on December 12 will feature an aerobatic air show by the UAE Air Force’s Forsan Al Emarat team, followed by a massive fireworks display. Fireworks will continue throughout the festival — especially on weekends, New Year’s Eve, and during the closing ceremony.
Visitors can also float above the golden dunes in a hot air balloon ride, offered on weekends for panoramic views of Liwa’s vast desert terrain.
Stay the Night: Glamping and Camping Under the Stars
Whether you prefer luxury or simplicity, Liwa offers both. Visitors can book glamping tents for a premium desert stay, complete with comfortable beds and amenities, or bring their own tents or RVs for a more rugged experience.
Camping under the stars is one of the festival’s biggest charms. The cool winter nights, clear skies, and soft desert sands create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city. It’s ideal for families, adventure groups, and anyone seeking a break from the urban rush.
If you’re inspired by Liwa’s desert charm, you can also explore our list of camping and glamping experiences in Dubai and across the UAE for more unique winter stays under the stars.
Ring in the New Year at Tal Moreeb
The festival’s New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the biggest in the UAE’s desert regions. The Tal Moreeb Car Championship kicks off that evening, followed by live concerts, performances, and a spectacular midnight fireworks show to welcome 2026.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience — watching fireworks light up the dunes while engines roar in the background, blending the excitement of motorsport with the magic of a desert celebration.
The Liwa International Festival 2025 perfectly embodies what makes UAE winters so special — outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities, cultural heritage, and a sense of community. It’s also one of the few major national events with free general entry, making it accessible to all.
For Dubai or Abu Dhabi residents, it’s a great weekend getaway that combines thrill, relaxation, and heritage. Visitors can even plan a mini road trip, pairing the festival visit with nearby attractions like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort or the Liwa Oasis.
The Liwa International Festival isn’t just an event — it’s a UAE winter tradition that celebrates everything the desert stands for: resilience, adventure, and beauty. Whether you’re there for the racing, the fireworks, or simply to camp under the stars, Liwa promises an unforgettable end to 2025.
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