Mark your calendars, folks! The annual Liwa International Festial 2025 (LIWA 2025) will take place from 13 December to 4 January 2025.

Welcoming tens of thousands of motorsports fans and families seeking adventure and culture on Abu Dhabi’s golden dunes, they’ll no doubt be thrilled with what’s in store under the iconic Tal Moreeb (the UAE’s tallest dune) in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.

What can you look forward to?

Motosports and adventure

• 13–14 December: feel the rush of Freestyle Drift as master drivers showcase epic drifting skills.
• 15December: Buggy Torque Challenge is a high-intensity buggy showdown across the dunes.
• 19 December: the excitement ramps up with Liwa Burnout Challenge, where engines roar in a burnout showdown like no other.
• 21 December: pro drivers show their skills at the thrilling Liwa Drift Championship.
• 22 December: bikers compete head-to-head in the high-speed Bike Drag Racing event.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the crushing power of 12,000-pound trucks and daring motocross acts.

• 27-28 December: Monster Jam isthe world’s largest monster truck show, with an exclusive Pit Party to add to the excitement.
• 30-31 December: don’t miss the spectacular Car Stunt Championship, featuring world-class drivers performing mind-blowing stunts.
• 1 January: ring in 2025 at the Electronic Freestyle Championship, where motorsports meet modern technology in an electrifying showcase.
• 2-4 January: be a part of one of the toughest challenges on Liwa’s famed dunes with the
  Moreeb Dune Car Championship.

This classic contest pushes drivers to the limit on the region’s steepest climb and brings the festival’s exciting programme to a close.

Family fun

Liwa Village sits at the heart of the festival, offering a huge variety of activities and attractions. Families should flock to the Wanasa Zone for carnival rides, a petting zoo, and a fun escape room. Nearby, the Night Oasis isan immersive museum that promises to be a highlight.

• Explore traditional crafts at the Liwa Village Souk, where you’ll find intricate handicrafts created by local artisans, each piece telling a story of Liwa’s cultural heritage.
• Each evening at LIWA 2025, witness a spectacular fireworks display at 8 pm, lighting up the desert sky. Enjoy hot air balloon rides for a unique aerial view of the festival and the surrounding desert landscape.

Two new attractions families can enjoy:

• The Hollywood Circus iswhere acrobats, magicians, and clowns will deliver lively performances to delight the whole family.
• The Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tal Moreeb and the surrounding dunes. Catch the perfect photo op as you take in the stunning desert landscape.

Cultural immersion

LIWA 2025 will be a showcase for the rich heritage and traditions of the UAE. Fans of traditional sports will be delighted by a trio of racing events across the desert sands, all deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Emirati people.

• 16 December: witness the excitement of camel racing, a classic form of entertainment where animals essential to the UAE culture demonstrate their surprising speed.
• 23 December: a horse racing event will showcase the grace and power of these majestic animals in a fast-paced competition.
• 24-26 December: an exhilarating falcon racing tournament will showcase the UAE’s longstanding connection with these birds of prey and see their skill and speed in action.

Nights at Tarab Liwa

Tarab Liwa in Liwa Village is set to light up LIWA 2025 each Saturday night, with captivating performances, concerts, and stage shows. This season’s concert line-up features some of the region’s most celebrated artists, transforming the festival into a vibrant nightlife destination under the starry desert sky.

• 14 December: the soulful sounds of Mutref Al Mutref and Mohammad Al Bakri.
• 21 December: dynamic performances by Hamad El Ameri and Aryam.
• 28 December: an unforgettable night with Aseel Hameem and Mahmoud Turky.
• 31 December: attend a concert featuring Abadi Al Johar and Rahma Riad, and ring in 2025 with the spectacular fireworks display over Liwa’s iconic dunes.

Note, you’ll need to pre-book a glamping tent or local accommodation or BYO RV or tent to camp under the stars in the heart of Liwa, surrounded by the golden dunes of the Al Dhafra region.