The Liwa International Festival has spectacularly inaugurated the UAE’s winter desert season, transforming the Al Dhafra region into an immersive cultural and entertainment destination. The festival’s opening ceremony featured breathtaking technological displays against the backdrop of Tal Moreeb, one of the nation’s tallest sand dunes standing at 300 meters.
Visitors embarking on the nearly three-hour journey from Al Ain experience a gradual transition from urban landscapes to the serene expanse of the Al Dhafra desert, setting the stage for an extraordinary desert experience. The festival’s opening events included precision aerial demonstrations by military aircraft during daylight hours, building anticipation among gathered crowds.
As night descended, the desert underwent a magical transformation through advanced projection mapping technology that animated the natural contours of Tal Moreeb’s slopes. This innovative light display turned the massive dune into a dynamic canvas, seamlessly merging technology with natural topography to create an unparalleled open-air theater.
The narrative presentation traced Liwa’s evolution from traditional desert heritage to contemporary winter destination, emphasizing the enduring connection between the landscape and its visitors. The technological climax featured hundreds of synchronized drones creating intricate light formations against the night sky during a 16-minute aerial ballet, followed by a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the entire desert panorama.
Beyond the central shows, Liwa Village emerged as a vibrant hub offering diverse attractions including entertainment zones, creative workshops, live performances, and a classic automobile exhibition. Culinary experiences ranged from traditional Emirati specialties to international cuisine, enhancing the festival’s communal atmosphere.
The event concluded with motorsports demonstrations at a dedicated drifting arena, where enthusiasts gathered late into the night, celebrating Liwa’s longstanding association with automotive culture and desert adventure.