Every winter, fashion’s gaze drifts toward the world’s unexpected cultural hotspots — and for 2026, all eyes are turning to the golden dunes of Al Dhafra. From 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026, the Liwa International Festival returns with a 23-day takeover of motorsports, heritage, music, family experiences, and spectacle. But beyond the adrenaline and tradition, this desert gathering has quietly become one of the region’s most visually and culturally defining events — a winter festival where style, identity, and Emirati storytelling converge beneath the towering 300-metre Tal Moreeb dune.
A Desert Stage With Fashion Potential
Set against the stunning cinematic scenery of Liwa’s expansive dunes, the festival resembles a vibrant editorial — a venue where traditional Emirati artistry converges with contemporary production, and where guests come attired for a desert day culminating in fireworks, drone performances, and outdoor concerts. Since its inception in 2001, this event has evolved into a key highlight of Abu Dhabi’s winter schedule, merging heritage and excitement with the atmospheric flair that fashion enthusiasts adore.
The 2026 edition opens with the Forsan Al Emarat aerobatic team carving through the sky, followed by a fireworks display that turns the desert into a glowing horizon of color.
Motorsports Take the Spotlight
Long a magnet for motorsport fans, Liwa again transforms into the region’s high-octane playground. This year’s programme reads like a thrill-seekers’ runway:
- Freestyle Drift (12–13, 22–23 Dec)
- Spartan Race Liwa (13 Dec)
- Bike Drag Racing (14 Dec)
- Falconry (15–17 Dec) — a nod to heritage precision
- Car Stunt Championship (19–20, 28–29 Dec)
- Extreme MudFest
- Liwa Running Challenge (20 Dec)
- Liwa Cycling Race (21 Dec)
- Liwa UTV (21 Dec)
- Pigeon Hunt Competition (23–24 Dec)
- Liwa Burnout Championship (25 Dec)
- Monster Jam + Liwa Drift (26–27 Dec)
- Tal Moreeb Running Challenge (26 Dec)
- Liwa Padel Championship (26–28 Dec)
- Sand Wrestling Championship (26–27 Dec)
- Electronic Freestyle Championship (30 Dec)
- Tal Moreeb Car Championship (31 Dec–3 Jan)
On weekends: football, padel, boxing, and more. Even the Jetour Travel Conference takes center stage from 19–21 December.
But the real visual magnificence comes nightly, when the dunes become a canvas. Dune projection shows, drone shows, and hot air balloon rides turn the landscape into a surreal fusion of movement and light — the kind of imagery that often inspires regional fashion designers and creative directors alike.
Family-Centric, Fashion-Adjacent Experiences
At the heart of the festival lies Liwa Village — a curated arena of culture and entertainment with the feel of a boutique theme park. Expect carnival rides, water karting, pony experiences, and two ziplines. For those drawn to aesthetics and nostalgia, there’s a Classic Car Museum and the highly Instagrammable Auto Zone.
Meanwhile, a Horror Escape Room, Smash Room, pony grove, and petting zoo cater to families and friend groups looking for variety.
The festival’s Souk Zone and Pop-Up Heritage Shops offer handmade crafts, fashion accessories, and traditional design — a perfect place for fashion-minded visitors to discover local artisans and Emirati craftsmanship. A performance stage hosts daily music and cultural acts, reinforcing the festival’s blend of creativity and community.
Culinary offerings span Emirati favorites to global street food, creating a lifestyle experience that feels both local and cosmopolitan.
A New Year’s Eve Worth Dressing Up For
The festival’s finale is poised to be one of the UAE’s standout New Year’s celebrations. On 31 December, the Tal Moreeb Car Championship launches into its multi-day showdown, matched with a New Year’s Eve concert and a dramatic fireworks show illuminating the expanse of Liwa’s desert.
It’s a celebration that brings fashion, music, and motorsport fans together — the kind of night where guests arrive in desert-ready chic and leave with sand in their shoes and sparks in their hair.
A Tribute to Heritage
Despite the excitement, the Liwa International Festival remains grounded in tradition. Falconry, handicraft demonstrations, Souk Liwa, and the pigeon shooting championship root the festival in its cultural origins — an essential reminder that the desert is not just a venue, but a living part of the UAE’s identity.
Planning Your Desert Escape
Visitors can choose to glamp, book local accommodation, or simply bring RVs or tents to camp under the stars — a favorite among festival regulars.
- Info: liwainternationalfestival.ae | instagram.com/liwafest
- Tickets for Liwa Village: liwavillage.ae
- Bookings via the Liwa Sports Club app or phone: +971 54 279 0830 / +971 54 279 0831
