Thrilling motorsports, family-friendly entertainment and cultural moments—experience an exciting winter adventure in the Al Dhafra region from 13 December to 4 January
Abu Dhabi, UAE — 27 November 2024: Liwa International Festival 2025 (LIWA 2025) is the ultimate winter getaway. The annual event draws tens of thousands of motorsports fans, and families for a thrilling blend of adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences within “the desert’s grand stage” — Abu Dhabi’s golden dunes.
From 13 December to 4 January, LIWA 2025 combines adrenaline-pumping racing, drifting and dune bashing, alongside live entertainment, family fun and unique cultural moments. All the action takes place under the iconic Tal Moreeb—the UAE’s tallest dune—in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.
Ready to experience LIWA 2025? Here are some highlights to inspire your visit.
Motorsports and adventure events
Each winter, the festival is the go-to destination for fans of high-octane motorsports in, around and on the towering Tel Moreeb dune.
- 13–14 December: feel the rush of Freestyle Drift as master drivers showcase epic drifting skills.
- 15December: Buggy Torque Challenge is a high-intensity buggy showdown across the dunes.
- 19 December: the excitement ramps up with Liwa Burnout Challenge, where engines roar in a burnout showdown like no other.
- 21 December: pro drivers show their skills at the thrilling Liwa Drift Championship.
- 22 December: bikers compete head-to-head in the high-speed Bike Drag Racing event.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the crushing power of 12,000-pound trucks and daring motocross acts.
- 27-28 December: Monster Jam isthe world’s largest monster truck show, with an exclusive Pit Party to add to the excitement.
- 30-31 December: don’t miss the spectacular Car Stunt Championship, featuring world-class drivers performing mind-blowing stunts.
- 1 January: ring in 2025 at the Electronic Freestyle Championship, where motorsports meet modern technology in an electrifying showcase.
- 2-4 January: be a part of one of the toughest challenges on Liwa’s famed dunes with the
Moreeb Dune Car Championship.
This classic contest pushes drivers to the limit on the region’s steepest climb and brings the festival’s exciting programme to a close.
Endless family fun
Liwa Village sits at the heart of the festival, offering a huge variety of activities and attractions. Families should flock to the Wanasa Zone for carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a fun escape room. Nearby, the Night Oasis isan immersive museum that promises to be a highlight.
- Explore traditional crafts at the Liwa Village Souk, where you’ll find intricate handicrafts created by local artisans, each piece telling a story of Liwa’s cultural heritage.
- Each evening at LIWA 2025, witness a spectacular fireworks display at 8 pm, lighting up the desert sky. Enjoy hot air balloon rides for a unique aerial view of the festival and the surrounding desert landscape.
Two new attractions are also coming to LIWA 2025:
- The Hollywood Circus iswhere acrobats, magicians, and clowns will deliver lively performances to delight the whole family.
- The Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tal Moreeb and the surrounding dunes. Catch the perfect photo op as you take in the stunning desert landscape.
Once all the fun has worked up an appetite, treat yourself to delicious local and global flavors. From authentic Emirati specialties to tasty international bites, there is something to satisfy every craving.
Inspiring cultural experiences
LIWA 2025 will be a showcase for the rich heritage and traditions of the UAE. Fans of traditional sports will be delighted by a trio of racing events across the desert sands, all deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Emirati people.
- 16 December: witness the excitement of camel racing, a classic form of entertainment where animals essential to the UAE culture demonstrate their surprising speed.
- 23 December: a horse racing event will showcase the grace and power of these majestic animals in a fast-paced competition.
- 24-26 December: an exhilarating falcon racing tournament will showcase the UAE’s longstanding connection with these birds of prey and see their skill and speed in action.
Tarab Liwa: A Vibrant Nightlife Experience
Tarab Liwa in Liwa Village is set to light up LIWA 2025 each Saturday night, with captivating performances, concerts, and stage shows. This season’s concert line-up features some of the region’s most celebrated artists, transforming the festival into a vibrant nightlife destination under the starry desert sky.
- 14 December: the soulful sounds of Mutref Al Mutref and Mohammad Al Bakri.
- 21 December: dynamic performances by Hamad El Ameri and Aryam.
- 28 December: an unforgettable night with Aseel Hameem and Mahmoud Turky.
Celebrate the New Year with a truly unforgettable experience
- 31 December: attend a concert featuring Abadi Al Johar and Rahma Riad, and ring in 2025 with the spectacular fireworks display over Liwa’s iconic dunes.
Don’t miss out on the UAE’s must-do winter event on the desert’s grand stage. Pre-book a glamping tent or local accommodation or bring your own RV or tent to camp under the stars in the heart of Liwa, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra region.
Step into the excitement of Liwa Village, for thrilling adventures, vibrant performances, and endless entertainment.
Grab your tickets now: www.liwavillage.ae
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae