Liwa International Festival 2027 brings new attractions to Abu Dhabi desert - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Abu Dhabi is preparing for the return of the Liwa International Festival, one of the United Arab Emirates' major winter events, with an expanded programme combining motorsports, international entertainment and traditional Emirati culture. The festival will take place from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 in the Liwa desert of the Al Dhafra Region, offering new attractions alongside established sporting competitions and family activities.

Set against the dramatic dunes surrounding Tal Moreeb, which rises more than 300 metres above the desert landscape, the festival has developed into a significant visitor attraction since its establishment in 2001. The previous edition welcomed more than 700,000 visitors over 23 days and received the Best Festival of the Year distinction at the Middle East Events Awards 2026. This year's programme introduces the international action sports production Nitro Circus, a redesigned Liwa Village and a dedicated cultural area exploring Emirati traditions.

The event is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in cooperation with Liwa Sports Club and several regional authorities and institutions. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, it forms part of Abu Dhabi's wider efforts to develop tourism beyond the capital and draw attention to the landscapes, heritage and recreational opportunities of the emirate's western desert region.

New attractions and international stunt performances

Liwa Village will remain the festival's principal entertainment and hospitality area, with more than half of its rides and attractions either newly introduced or redesigned for the 2027 edition.

New amusement rides include Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower. Visitors will also find interactive challenges such as Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run, Desert Heist and Climb Quest, alongside drift trikes, target shooting and bungee jumping.

Established attractions including the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, Slingshot, Booster and the 4x4 track will return. Additional activities range from water karting and paintball to classic car displays and adventure experiences for families.

One of the most prominent new additions is Nitro Circus, which will make its Liwa debut on 19 and 20 December. Three performances are scheduled, featuring more than 15 international athletes specialising in freestyle motocross and bicycle motocross.

The shows will combine aerial stunts, choreographed sequences and pyrotechnic effects. Tickets for the performances are already on sale through the event ticketing platform Platinumlist.

Motorsport competitions lead into the New Year

Motorsport remains a central part of the Liwa International Festival, with competitions organised by Liwa Sports Club throughout December and into early January.

The programme begins with freestyle demonstrations on 11 and 12 December, followed by a motorbike drag race on 13 December. Sand freestyle events are scheduled for 18–19 and 27–28 December, while the Liwa UTV Track competition takes place on 20 December.

Further events include the Liwa Burnout Challenge on 24 December and Liwa Drift on 25 and 26 December. The programme culminates in the Tal Moreeb Car Championship, running from 30 December to 2 January and bringing the festival into the New Year.

The desert setting provides a distinctive backdrop for these competitions, particularly around Tal Moreeb, which has become closely associated with the region's motorsport culture.

Beyond motorised sports, visitors can attend traditional falcon and pigeon races or participate in recreational activities. A cycling race is planned for 21 December, followed by the Liwa Festival Community Run on 23 December. Other events include a climbing challenge, padel tournament and fitness activities.

The combination of motorsport competitions and participatory events broadens the festival's appeal beyond spectators, creating opportunities for visitors with different sporting interests.

Heritage Village introduces traditional Emirati life

A new Heritage Village will provide a cultural counterpart to the festival's entertainment and sporting activities.

Presented by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the village will recreate elements of a traditional Emirati neighbourhood, known as an Al Fareej. Its programme will introduce visitors to local customs, crafts and social traditions through demonstrations, workshops and interactive experiences.

The House of Poetry and Poets will focus on Nabati poetry, an important form of vernacular Arabic expression in the Arabian Peninsula. Sessions will explore its historical role in community life and its connection with local values, experiences and traditions.

Falconry will feature prominently in a dedicated tent where visitors can observe birds and learn about their training, care and traditional equipment. Younger guests will be able to participate in workshops producing model falcon hoods.

Traditional games and activities will include camel riding, palm-climbing simulations, tug of war and demonstrations of palm-leaf weaving. Visitors will also have opportunities to learn about khoos, the traditional craft of making practical objects from palm leaves.

Another section will explore the customs associated with the Emirati majlis, including welcoming guests, greetings and seating arrangements. Demonstrations of preparing and serving traditional Emirati coffee, known as gahwa, will illustrate the role of hospitality in local social life.

The cultural programme will extend beyond the main festival grounds to historical sites throughout Al Dhafra. Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort and Al Yabana Fort will host retail and dining activities, while Khanour Fort will feature traditional crafts. Mezairaa Fort will offer experiences inspired by the history and heritage of Liwa.

By connecting entertainment with historical locations and cultural practices, the festival provides visitors with opportunities to explore a part of Abu Dhabi that differs considerably from the emirate's urban attractions.

For international tour operators, the event offers a seasonal addition to Abu Dhabi itineraries, particularly for travellers interested in desert landscapes, adventure activities and regional culture. Its dates also coincide with the Christmas and New Year travel period, when the cooler weather makes outdoor activities in the UAE more accessible.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration