The Liwa International Festival is coming back this winter in the UAE and it’s bigger than ever. It will run from December 12, 2025 to January 3, 2026 in the desert at the foot of Tal Moreeb, the tallest sand dune in the country.
Good news: general admission is free. You can walk in, enjoy the festival grounds, and take in the sights. Some VIP areas and special events may cost extra.
The opening night will feature the UAE Air Force aerobatic team Forsan Al Emarat and a fireworks show lighting up the desert sky.
Every evening, there will be dune‑projection shows and drone light displays. On weekends you can take hot‑air balloon rides to see the sand sea from above.
If you’d like to stay overnight, you can camp under the stars, bring your own tent or RV, or book a glamping tent in the desert.
For families there will be a hub called “Liwa Village” with carnival rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, zip‑lines, a giant ferris wheel, heritage markets, and live music.
And if you like action: motorsports will run throughout. Examples include freestyle drift, biking drag races, car stunts, dune buggies, sand‑wrestling, and more.
How to get there: it’s about a three‑hour drive from Abu Dhabi. Use Sheikh Zayed Road (E10) toward Sweihan/Al Ain then follow the signs to Liwa.
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By Sahim Salim. Original content published by Khaleej Times.