The Liwa International Festival 2026 commenced with extraordinary fanfare as Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa was illuminated in vibrant red lights, signaling the start of the UAE’s premier winter carnival. This spectacular visual tribute on Friday evening marked the opening of the month-long festival running through January 3, 2026, in the Liwa area of Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region. The royal delegation conducted an extensive tour of the festival grounds, receiving detailed briefings about the diverse sporting tournaments, heritage exhibitions, and entertainment attractions comprising this year’s edition.
Liwa Village serves as the cultural epicenter of the festival, offering an immersive program blending traditional art forms, heritage experiences, and family-oriented activities. The opening ceremony featured an innovative multimedia spectacle combining synchronized sound, advanced lighting systems, laser projections, and drone formations, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminated the Liwa desert sky. The UAE’s official aerobatic team, Al Fursan, delivered a special performance that added aerial drama to the celebrations.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival represents a collaborative effort involving Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, and several other government entities.
The 2026 edition presents an exceptionally diverse program featuring motorsports competitions including speed races, dune driving challenges, freestyle demonstrations, sand racing, and UTV circuit races. Traditional sports enthusiasts can enjoy falconry championships, sand wrestling, and boxing matches, while adventure seekers can participate in the inaugural Extreme Mud Fest driving challenge.
Additional attractions include daily light shows, drone flight demonstrations, hot air balloon experiences, and weekend fireworks displays. The festival transforms into a premier New Year’s Eve destination with a special concert followed by fireworks and the Moreeb Dune Car Championship commencing on December 31st.
Liwa Village continues its celebration of Emirati heritage through traditional marketplaces, creative workshops, and family zones featuring water karting, carnival games, zip lines, and authentic culinary experiences. The festival solidifies Al Dhafra Region’s position as a leading destination for cultural tourism while attracting international audiences passionate about desert adventures, traditional sports, and speed racing.