Abu Dhabi’s Liwa International Festival will run from December 11, 2026 to January 2, 2027, with new heritage and entertainment attractions. The emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced the programme on October 19.
The 2027 edition will take place around Tal Moreeb in Al Dhafra’s Liwa desert. DCT Abu Dhabi said the previous edition attracted more than 700,000 visitors over 23 days.
More than half of the rides and attractions at Liwa Village will be new or redesigned. Additions include bungee jumping, the Space Tower and Circus Swinger rides, alongside climbing and interactive games.
Action sports company Nitro Circus will make its festival debut on December 19 and 20. Three shows will feature more than 15 athletes performing freestyle motocross and BMX stunts. Tickets are already on sale.
Liwa Sports Club will organise motorbike drag racing, drifting and desert driving competitions. The Tal Moreeb Car Championship will close the programme from December 30 to January 2.
The new Heritage Village, presented by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, will introduce visitors to Emirati crafts, falconry, poetry and hospitality. Activities will include weaving workshops, traditional games and demonstrations of coffee preparation and majlis etiquette.
Meanwhile, events at forts across Al Dhafra will extend the programme beyond the main site, with dining, retail and cultural activities.
Organisers also plan to launch the festival’s first official app, with event details and booking for camping pitches and recreational vehicle parking. Programme information is available on the festival website.
The event joins a UAE winter calendar that includes the November launch of Zerzura Sunsets in Sharjah’s Mleiha.
Source: DCT Abu Dhabi via PR Newswire.
Photo: Experience Abu Dhabi / DCT Abu Dhabi, supplied promotional image.
