The Liwa Festival 2025 is set to return as Abu Dhabi’s ultimate desert celebration, combining high-octane motorsports, traditional Emirati culture, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Taking place in the golden sands of Liwa, Al Dhafra, this festival is one of the UAE’s most anticipated winter events. Whether you are a tourist, motorsport enthusiast, or family looking for adventure, this guide will help you plan your visit from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026.
Liwa Festival 2025 Dates & Location
- Festival Dates: December 12, 2025 – January 3, 2026
- Location: Liwa Village & Tal Moreeb, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi
- Motorsport Venue: Tal Moreeb Dune
- Duration: 23 days
The festival is set in the heart of the Liwa desert, offering a unique combination of adrenaline, culture, and scenic desert landscapes.
Liwa Festival 2025 covering games, food stalls, and artist performances
| Category | Name / Type | Details | Location | Ticket / Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games & Rides | Carnival Rides | Ferris wheel, carousel, ziplines, bumper cars | Liwa Village | AED 10+ per ride |
| Water Karting | Fun kart rides in water tracks | Liwa Village | AED 20 per ride | |
| Mini Tank Paintball | Interactive shooting game | Liwa Village | AED 100 | |
| Extreme MudFest | Mud obstacle course for all ages | Liwa Village | AED 75 | |
| Motorsports / Adventure | Tal Moreeb Car Championship | Sand drag and off-road racing | Tal Moreeb Dune | Free to watch |
| Liwa Drift / Buggy Torque | Drift and stunt performances | Tal Moreeb Dune | Free to watch | |
| Bike Drag Racing | High-speed bike races on sand | Tal Moreeb Dune | Free to watch | |
| Food Stalls | Emirati Cuisine | Machboos, Luqaimat, Arabic coffee | Liwa Village | Free entry / Pay per food item |
| International Street Food | Burgers, wraps, desserts, drinks | Liwa Village | Pay per item | |
| Dessert & Beverages | Ice cream, juices, specialty coffees | Liwa Village | Pay per item | |
| Artist Performances | UAE Air Force Aerobatics – Forsan Al Emarat | Aerial aerobatic performance for opening day | Liwa Village / Desert Sky | Free |
| Traditional Emirati Music & Dance | Daily cultural shows | Liwa Village Stage | Free | |
| Desert Folk & Oud Music | Evening performances | Liwa Village | Free | |
| Monster Jam Live Music & DJ | December 26–27 during Monster Jam | Tal Moreeb Dune | Paid tickets for Monster Jam | |
| New Year’s Eve Concert | Dec 31, live music with fireworks | Liwa Village / Desert Sky | Paid for VIP zones, general view free | |
| Local Bands & Cultural Acts | Festival closing performances | Liwa Village Stage | Free |
Highlights of Liwa Festival 2025
The 2025 festival promises a thrilling mix of adventure, culture, and entertainment:
- Tal Moreeb Motorsports: Sand drag races, car and bike stunts, and the Tal Moreeb Car Championship
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: Carnival rides, water karting, ziplines, and pony rides at Liwa Village
- Cultural Shows: Falconry, camel racing, Pigeon Hunt Competition, traditional dance and music performances
- Food & Dining: Emirati cuisine, international food trucks, and dessert stalls
- Nighttime Spectacles: Fireworks, drone shows, and hot air balloon rides
Liwa Village Attractions
Liwa Village serves as the festival hub, offering a mix of culture, shopping, food, and entertainment:
- Cultural Zone: Heritage shows, local crafts, and Souk Liwa
- Entertainment Zone: Mini amusement rides, gaming zones, and interactive activities
- Food Court: Emirati classics and international dishes for all tastes
- Shopping: Souks and boutiques with festival-exclusive merchandise
- Live Performances: Music concerts, dance shows, and family stage events
Motorsports & Tal Moreeb Events
Tal Moreeb hosts adrenaline-pumping competitions:
- Sand drag races for cars and bikes
- 4×4 dune challenges and off-road racing
- Spartan Race Liwa
- Liwa Drift Championship
- Car stunt performances and supercar displays
Motorsport events are a major draw, making the festival a must-visit for adventure seekers.
Tickets for Liwa Festival 2025
General admission to Liwa Festival is free, but certain attractions and rides require tickets:
| Attraction | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Monster Jam | AED 75 |
| Mud Fest | AED 75 |
| Mini Tank Paintball | AED 100 |
| Carnival rides & Ferris wheel | AED 10+ |
| Hot Air Balloon Rides | Ticketed separately |
How to Get Tickets:
- Online via official festival website or platforms like Platinumlist
- On-site ticket counters at Liwa Village
- Advance registration for sports competitions via Liwa Sports Club app
Festival Schedule & Timings
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 4 PM – 11 PM (rides, cultural shows, food) |
| Weekends | 2 PM – 12 Midnight (motorsports, concerts, fireworks) |
| Special Events | Monster Jam: Dec 26–27; New Year’s Eve concert & fireworks: Dec 31 |
Note: Motorsports usually start early morning for cooler weather, with finals in the evening.
Venue
How to Reach Liwa Festival
- From Abu Dhabi City: 220 km, ~3-hour drive via Sheikh Zayed Road (E10)
- From Dubai: 350 km, ~4-hour drive
- Recommended: 4×4 vehicle for desert areas
- Parking: Free parking available near Liwa Village
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Wear light, breathable clothing and carry a jacket for chilly evenings
- Carry sunscreen, hats, and water bottles
- Arrive early for motorsport events and prime viewing spots
- Follow festival signage and safety instructions
- Respect cultural norms and traditions
Where to Stay
- Liwa Hotel – Comfortable and desert-facing
- Tilal Liwa Hotel – Family-friendly with modern amenities
- Liwa Desert Resort – Luxury stay close to Tal Moreeb
- Budget hotels in Madinat Zayed
- Desert camping for adventure enthusiasts
Food & Dining Options
Visitors can enjoy:
- Traditional Emirati dishes (Machboos, Luqaimat, Arabic coffee)
- Street food & international cuisines
- Sweet treats, juices, and coffee stands
- Family-friendly dining areas across Liwa Village
Liwa Festival 2025 schedule
| Date | Time | Event / Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Festival Opening Ceremony & Aerobatics Show | Liwa Village / Desert Sky |
| Dec 13 – Dec 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Daily Cultural Shows, Souk, Food Stalls & Family Activities | Liwa Village |
| Dec 14 – Dec 28, 2025 | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Motorsport Competitions (Dune Climb, Drag Races, Bike Racing) | Tal Moreeb Dune |
| Dec 26 – Dec 27, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Monster Jam Events | Tal Moreeb Dune |
| Dec 28 – Dec 30, 2025 | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Liwa Running & Cycling Challenges, Extreme MudFest | Liwa Village & Desert Tracks |
| Dec 31, 2025 | 4:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight | New Year’s Eve Concert & Fireworks | Liwa Village / Desert Sky |
| Jan 1 – Jan 3, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Closing Days: Cultural Shows, Family Activities, Hot Air Balloon Rides | Liwa Village |
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Arrive early for shows and motorsport events
- Stay hydrated and wear sun protection
- Explore all zones for a complete experience
- Respect local traditions
Don’ts:
- Do not litter the desert
- Avoid restricted motorsport areas
- Do not fly drones without permission
- Avoid blocking performance and photography zones
FAQs
Q1: What are the dates of Liwa Festival 2025?
A: The festival will be held from December 12, 2025, to January 3, 2026 in Liwa, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.
Q2: Is there an entry fee to attend the festival?
A: General admission is free. However, certain rides, attractions, and events like Monster Jam, hot air balloon rides, and Mud Fest require paid tickets.
Q3: How can I buy tickets for paid attractions?
A: Tickets are available online through the official festival website or platforms like Platinumlist, and on-site at ticket counters in Liwa Village.
Q4: What kind of events can I expect at the festival?
A: The festival features:
- Motorsports (sand drag races, bike racing, Liwa Drift, Tal Moreeb Car Championship)
- Family-friendly attractions (carnival rides, pony rides, ziplines)
- Cultural shows (falconry, camel racing, traditional Emirati performances)
- Food and crafts (Souk Liwa, Emirati and international cuisine)
- Nighttime spectacles (fireworks, drone shows, hot air balloon rides)
Q5: Can families and children attend?
A: Yes! Liwa Village has plenty of family-friendly activities, rides, and interactive zones for children.
Q6: How far is Liwa from Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
A: From Abu Dhabi City, it’s around 220 km (~3 hours drive). From Dubai, it’s about 350 km (~4 hours drive). A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for desert areas.
Q7: Are motorsport events free to watch?
A: Many motorsport events like Buggy Torque, Liwa Burnout, Liwa Drift, and bike racing are free to spectate. Ticketed events include Monster Jam and select VIP zones.
Q8: What should I bring to the festival?
A: Essentials include:
- Light, breathable clothing and a jacket for cooler evenings
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Water and snacks
- Comfortable shoes for walking in the sand
Q9: Are there safety measures for desert activities?
A: Yes, all motorsport and adventure activities follow strict safety protocols, and festival staff provide guidance on permitted areas and equipment.
Q10: Can I camp or stay near the festival?
A: Yes, there are desert resorts and hotels nearby, including Liwa Hotel, Tilal Liwa Hotel, and Liwa Desert Resort, along with desert camping options for adventure enthusiasts.
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