The Liwa festival will return to Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region from December 11 to January 2, 2027, organisers have announced. The event, held in the Liwa desert, will feature motorsport championships, heritage experiences and family activities, according to the plans outlined in the published notes.
For the first time, organisers will release an official festival app that provides calendars and bookings, and also allows users to reserve camping spots and RV parking spaces. The edition will also include a reimagined Liwa Village and a new international entertainment show, the notes state.
Record attendance and award
Last year's festival drew more than 700,000 visitors across 23 days, according to the organisers. That figure underlines the event's scale as one of the region's largest outdoor gatherings.
The festival also won Best Festival of the Year at the Middle East Events Awards 2026, the notes say. The recognition places the Liwa event among the region's leading cultural and entertainment attractions.
This year, more than half of the rides and attractions will be new or reimagined. New rides include the Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower, while a Bungee Jump debuts and the Ferris Wheel and Bumper Cars are among the returning attractions.
Motorsport and desert sports
Liwa Sports Club organises the festival and its desert sports competitions. The programme includes a Freestyle Display on December 11-12 and December 21-22, and a Sand Freestyle Display on December 18-19 and December 27-28.
The Tal Moreeb Car Championship finale will close the programme from December 30 to January 2, 2027. A Community Run is scheduled for December 23.
Nitro Circus will make its debut on December 19-20 with more than 15 athletes performing in three shows. The events are expected to draw crowds to the Al Dhafra desert throughout the festival period.
Heritage and family offerings
The Heritage Village draws on the traditional Emirati neighbourhood of Al Fareej, offering visitors a glimpse of local culture and history. A Falconry Tent will host live displays and workshops on making model falcon hoods.
These heritage elements sit alongside the family activities and rides, providing a mix of entertainment and cultural education for visitors of all ages.
The reimagined Liwa Village and the new international entertainment show add to the festival's appeal, organisers say, with the official app designed to help visitors plan their time and secure camping and parking spaces.
What it means for residents and businesses
For Gulf residents, the festival offers a major outdoor destination during the cooler winter months, with a wide range of activities spread across more than three weeks. The new app is intended to make it easier to organise visits, particularly for those planning to camp or bring recreational vehicles.
For businesses in Al Dhafra and the wider Abu Dhabi emirate, the event represents a significant boost to tourism and local commerce. Last year's attendance of over 700,000 visitors over 23 days indicates the scale of potential spending on hospitality, retail and transport.
The award and the expanded programme may further raise the festival's profile, attracting visitors from across the UAE and neighbouring countries. Organisers will be hoping the new attractions and international show build on the event's recent success.