Liwa International Festival runs from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region.
More than half of Liwa Village’s rides and attractions will be new or reimagined, alongside a new Heritage Village.
Nitro Circus makes its festival debut with three shows on 19 and 20 December 2026.
Nitro Circus, new rides and a Heritage Village join the annual desert festival.
Abu Dhabi’s winter calendar is heading back to the dunes. Liwa International Festival 2027 returns to Al Dhafra Region from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, with a Nitro Circus debut, new attractions at Liwa Village and a Heritage Village dedicated to Emirati traditions.
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 22 days, attracting a diverse range of domestic and international visitors, including camping and desert enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and heritage and motorsports enthusiasts. Here’s what’s on the agenda this time around.
Nitro Circus
Flying bikes are joining the festival’s entertainment line-up. Nitro Circus makes its Liwa debut on 19 and 20 December 2026, staging three shows featuring more than 15 athletes. Freestyle motocross and BMX stunts will share the spotlight with choreographed performances and pyrotechnics. Tickets are already available through Platinumlist.
Liwa Village
More than half of Liwa Village’s rides and attractions will be new or reimagined for this edition. Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower join the line-up, while Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run, Desert Heist and Climb Quest give visitors fresh challenges to tackle. Bungee jumping adds another opportunity to test your nerve.
Returning attractions include the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, Slingshot, House of Horror and Maze Adventure. Go Water Kart, Mini Tank Paintball and the 4×4 Track also return, while dining outlets offer somewhere to refuel between activities.
Motorsports
Liwa is the heartbeat of regional motorsport and this year’s programme is tightly packed. Liwa Sports Club oversees a programme that opens with Freestyle Display on 11 and 12 December 2026, returning on 21 and 22 December 2026. The Motorbike Drag Race follows on 13 December 2026, while Sand Freestyle Display takes place on 18 and 19 December 2026 and again on 27 and 28 December 2026.
The Liwa UTV Track is scheduled for 20 December 2026, followed by the Liwa Burnout Challenge on 24 December 2026 and Liwa Drift on 25 and 26 December 2026. The Tal Moreeb Car Championship closes the festival from 30 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, taking the competition into the new year.
Emirati Heritage
New for this edition, the Heritage Village takes its inspiration from Al Fareej, a traditional Emirati neighbourhood. Presented by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, it introduces visitors to Nabati poetry, falconry and the customs of the Emirati majlis.
Families can try traditional games, join palm-leaf craft and weaving workshops, and learn how Emirati gahwa is prepared and served. At the Falconry Tent, live displays explain how the birds are raised and trained, while children can make model falcon hoods.
Traditional sports also feature on the calendar, with the Falcon Race from 14 to 16 December 2026 and the Traditional Pigeon Race on 22 and 23 December 2026.
Beyond the Festival Grounds
There’s more to discover across Al Dhafra, with Liwa International Festival 2027 activities extending to local landmarks and forts. Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort and Al Yabana Fort will offer retail and dining, while Khanour Fort focuses on traditional Emirati crafts. Mezairaa Fort will host a cultural experience inspired by Liwa’s stories and heritage.
Visitors keen to get moving can take on the Liwa Sign Climb Challenge on 19 December 2026, a cycling race on 21 December 2026 or the Liwa Festival Community Run on 23 December 2026. A padel tournament follows on 24 and 25 December 2026, before a fitness tour on 29 December 2026.
See you in the dunes.
Where: Liwa International Festival, Tal Moreeb, Bateen Liwa, Abu Dhabi
When: 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027
Contact: @liwavillage