It’s time to make your way to the dunes.
Desert adventurers, pack your bags and buckle up for a road trip. Liwa International Festival 2025 is making a banging return, promising an immersive experience that blends Emirati traditions with modern flair.
Taking place from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the Liwa International Festival will be held at Tal Moreeb – the tallest dune in the UAE. The celebrations open with Forsan Al Emarat, the official aerobatics demonstration team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force. An opening-night fireworks display will light the desert sky, setting the tone for a season of spectacle.
Motorsports
Liwa is the heartbeat of regional motorsport and this year’s programme is tightly packed: Freestyle Drift runs on 12 to 13 December and again on 22 to 23 December. Spartan Race Liwa arrives on 13 December, followed by Bike Drag Racing on 14 December. Falconry takes place from 15 to 17 December, showcasing precision and tradition. The Car Stunt Championship is scheduled for 19 to 20 December, alongside the crowd-pleasing Mud Fest. Runners can take on the Liwa Running Challenge on 20 December, while the Liwa Cycling Race and Liwa UTV follow on 21 December. The Pigeon Hunt Competition is set for 23 to 24 December, leading into the adrenaline-charged Liwa Burnout Championship on 25 December.
On 26 and 27 December, the desert roars with Liwa Drift and Monster Jam, while the Tal Moreeb Running Challenge unfolds on 26 December. The Liwa Padel Championship runs from 26 to 28 December, and the Liwa Cycling Challenge takes place on 27 December. The Car Stunt Championship returns on 28 to 29 December, before the Electronic Freestyle Championship on 30 December. The Tal Moreeb Car Championship anchors the finale from 31 December to 3 January with multiple racing categories. Football and padel are available every weekend, and Boxing runs from 15 to 21 December. The Jetour Travel Conference will be held on 19, 20 and 21 December.
Liwa Village
One highlight of the Liwa International Festival has always been Liwa Village, which features several zones. First up is the Liwa Village Souk, your go-to traditional Emirati marketplace. This is where you’ll find handicrafts that speak of the region’s rich heritage. Located nearby is the Night Oasis, which brings an interactive museum to the festival, allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience truly. A Wanasa Zone will offer you and the little ones an opportunity to enjoy the petting zoo. With rides and an on-site escape room, this is a must-visit spot for all ages.
The Classic Car Museum and Auto Zone delight motoring fans, while the Horror Escape Room and Smash Room raise the pulse. Young visitors can meet friendly animals at the Pony Grove and petting zoo. The Souk Zone and Pop-Up Heritage Shops showcase handmade crafts and local treasures, and the Performance Stage hosts live music, cultural acts and daily entertainment. Food lovers can graze across Emirati favourites and global cuisines at numerous F&B and retail outlets.
New Year’s Celebrations
On 31 December, the Tal Moreeb Car Championship begins its three-day run, setting a thrilling pace as 2025 turns to 2026. A special New Year’s Eve concert leads into a spectacular fireworks show over the dunes, inviting visitors to welcome the new year in a setting like no other.
Beyond the thrills, the Liwa International Festival honours the UAE’s proud heritage. Falconry, handicrafts, Souk Liwa and the pigeon shooting championship celebrate culture, community and innovation in the heart of the desert.
Daily Dune Projection Shows and Drone Shows transform the skyline each evening, while Hot Air Balloons lift off every weekend. Water Karting and Mini Tank Paintball run daily from 12 December to 3 January for visitors seeking extra thrills. Fireworks will illuminate the desert during the opening ceremony, weekends, New Year’s Eve and the closing ceremony.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune, the festival has grown since its 2001 debut into one of the country’s most anticipated annual gatherings. The festival will run for 23 days, attracting a diverse range of domestic and international visitors, including camping and desert enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and heritage and motorsports enthusiasts.
Tickets for this year’s Liwa International Festival will be available soon.
See you in the dunes.
GO: Follow @liwavillage on Instagram for more information.