Al Dhafra’s dunes are going to once again be pulsing with the roar of engines, music and so much more as the outdoor festival gets underway.

Running from Friday December 12 2025 to Saturday January 3 2026, the 23-day festival is going to be jam-packed with fun from start to finish.

The full lineup of activities is still to be revealed, however it has been confirmed that you can expect adrenaline-pumping speed races, drift shows and the classic dune driving challenges with competitors from around the world.

All happening around the impressive sight that is Tal Moreeb (the highest sand dunes in the UAE), the festival is also gearing up to host live concerts, cultural tours and family entertainment.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the activities will be held alongside the traditional Liwa Village, which will be fulled with ways to enjoy Emirati heritage.

Once you’ve finished running around the dunes, you’ll be able to unwind in the village by browsing in the crafts market, taking the little ones to a workshop or grazing on some incredible dishes from local vendors.

Speaking in an announcement, the Abu Dhabi Media Office shared:

“Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Liwa International Festival 2026 (Liwa 2026) will take place from 12 December 2025 to 3 January 2026 in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region.

“Held in cooperation with Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Miral, Abu Dhabi Media Network, and other partners, the festival reaffirms Al Dhafra Region’s position as a leading winter destination, both regionally and internationally.”