Abu Dhabi’s Liwa International Festival returns from 12 December to 3 January, offering a spectacular 23-day celebration of Emirati culture, adventure, and entertainment.
Hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism—Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this year’s event promises to be bigger and better, featuring new attractions, immersive experiences, and world-class performances. Far more than just motorsports, the festival has evolved over the years to be an immersive cultural experience centered around Liwa Village.
Liwa International Festival Highlights in 2025
Liwa Village has six themed areas, each offering a unique experience:
- Souk: A bustling marketplace showcasing traditional crafts and local goods
- Wanasa: Family-friendly activities and entertainment
- Tarab LIWA: Live music performances
- Adrenaline: High-speed adventures and thrills
- Shams: Spectacular desert views
- Meydan: Spaces for friendly competition and fun
Events & attractions
The 2025-26 event will bring many exciting experiences, including:
- Monster Jam: Incredible displays of skill by world-class athletes navigating massive trucks
- Zipline Adventure: Fly across the village on exciting zip lines built for both children and adults.
- Horror Escape Room: A spine-chilling challenge inspired by Emirati folklore
- Souk Artisans: Discover Emirati crafts with workshops on Burga, Dukhoon & Perfume, Henna, Gahwa and more!
- Classic Car Exhibition: A chance to see a wide range of iconic vintage cars.
- Petting Zoo and Pony Rides: Offering a chance for families to connect with nature.
- Mini Paintball Tanks: Climb into custom built tanks and engage in battle!
- Drone Shows: See the sky transform into a canvas at 8pm every night!
- Live Performances: Catch Local and International artists on stage daily.
- Fireworks: 12 & 31 December, 3 January – Other weekend dates TBC.
- New Year’s Eve Celebration: See the new year in in style at this unique desert location!
The Practicalities – Getting to Liwa & Where to Stay
Liwa Village is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi city by private car. It is situated beneath Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest sand dune and the centre of the action.
If you do not have a car, there is a public bus service from Al Wadha Central Bus Station to Mezaira’a Bus Station in Liwa. This journey takes 3 hours and 15 minutes and costs AED 35 per person.
- The CX60 leaves Abu Dhabi at 7:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM.
- The return journey from Liwa to Abu Dhabi departs at 6:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM
- See the current Capital Express Timetable here
Accommodation
You are in the desert, so expect rustic accommodation. Look for options to hire glamping tents, RV Trailers, local stays, or bring your own tent to camp under the stars in the public camp ground (we are digging into those booking details for glamping options – stay tuned!) .
For an unforgettable winter adventure celebrating Emirati heritage, tradition, and innovation, visit www.liwafestival.ae to explore the schedule and plan your desert experience.
Find more December experiences in Abu Dhabi here!
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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