Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that the Liwa International Festival 2026 will take place from 12 December this year to 3 January 2026 at Liwa in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra Region, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.
The 23-day event will transform Liwa into a hub of action and entertainment, drawing adventurers, motorsport fans, and families from across the UAE and beyond. Centred around Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s highest sand dunes, the festival will feature dune driving challenges, speed races and drift shows with top competitors from around the world.
Beyond motorsport, the programme will include live concerts, cultural tours, and a wide array of family-friendly activities. Liwa Village will once again showcase Emirati heritage, with a crafts market, creative workshops, games for children, and a selection of restaurants and shops featuring local vendors.
Organised in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, and key partners, the festival continues to strengthen Al Dhafra’s position as a premier winter destination.
The full programme of events is set to be revealed in the coming weeks.