Discover Liwa International Festival 2027 in Abu Dhabi
Set against the backdrop of Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune at more than 300 metres, the festival offers visitors a chance to experience the dramatic desert landscape that famously served as the desert planet Arrakis in the blockbuster movies Dune
Abu Dhabi: Liwa International Festival 2027 (Liwa 2027), a major annual winter desert festival held in Al Dhafra Region in Abu Dhabi, will return from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, bringing 23 days of motorsport, international entertainment, Emirati heritage and family-friendly experiences to the Liwa Desert.
Set against the backdrop of Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune at more than 300 metres, the festival offers visitors a chance to experience the dramatic desert landscape that famously served as the desert planet Arrakis in the blockbuster movies Dune.
The programme includes the debut of global action sports brand Nitro Circus on 19 and 20 December, new and upgraded attractions at Liwa Village, motorsport championships and a new Heritage Village celebrating Emirati traditions. The previous edition welcomed more than 700,000 visitors and was named ‘Best Festival of the Year’ at the Middle East Events Awards 2026.
Entertainment and thrills at Liwa Village
At the heart of the festival, Liwa Village brings together rides, dining and activities, with more than half of its rides and attractions featuring new or reimagined concepts.
New additions include Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower, alongside Bungee Jumping and interactive challenges such as Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run, Climb Quest and Desert Heist.
Returning favourites include the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars and Classic Cars.
Nitro Circus will make its festival debut on 19 and 20 December, bringing an international action sports show featuring freestyle motocross (FMX), BMX, choreographed performances and Pyrotechnics.
Celebrating Emirati heritage and traditions
The festival’s first-ever Heritage Village, presented by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, celebrates Emirati heritage and traditions. Inspired by a traditional Emirati neighbourhood known as Al Fareej, it introduces visitors to traditional Emirati life through demonstrations and hands-on Activities.
Visitors can discover Nabati poetry, a traditional form of poetry originating from the Bedouins, at the House of Poetry and Poets, learn about falconry through live displays, and experience traditional games, camel riding and a palm-climbing simulation. Workshops in palm-leaf crafts and weaving offer further opportunities to engage with local traditions. The village also introduces visitors to Emirati Majlis etiquette and the traditions of preparing and serving Emirati Gahwa; traditional Arabic coffee.
Motorsport and more to explore in Al Dhafra Region
Motorsport remains a central part of the festival, with the surrounding desert providing a dramatic setting for competitions. This year’s programme includes Motorbike Drag Racing (13 December), Freestyle Display (11-12, 21-22 December), Liwa UTV Track (20 December), the Liwa Burnout Challenge (24 December), and Liwa Drift (25-26 December). The action builds towards the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, taking place from 30 December to 2 January 2027.
Visitors can also enjoy community sporting activities, including cycling, running, padel and fitness events.
Beyond the main festival site, visitors can explore more of Al Dhafra Region through its forts and cultural attractions. Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort and Al Yabana Fort offer retail and dining, while Khanour Fort showcases traditional Emirati crafts and Mezairaa Fort offers experiences inspired by Liwa’s history and heritage.
Plan your visit
Ready to experience Liwa International Festival 2027? Plan your visit, explore the full festival programme and find more on liwainternationalfestival.ae.