Liwa International Festival 2025: 23 reasons you don't want to miss this

If you are making plans for a brilliant December, you are going to want to block some of these dates on your calendar: The Liwa International Festival is returning between Dec 12 and Jan 3, and it’s bringing a heady mix of culture, adventure and family-friendly fun to our shores.

Held in the Al Dhafra region, against the backdrop of the 300-metre Tal Moreeb – which just happens to be UAE’s tallest dune – the festival will open this year with the Forsan Al Emarat show, the official aerobatics demonstration team of the United Arab Emirates Air Force. This will be followed by fireworks!

Here’s a look at the things to participate in during the winter fest:

Rev up your engines (or get ready to see and cheer) for some spectacular – and highly skillful - car acrobatics.

When: Dec 12-13, Dec 22-23

Do you believe that you have what it takes to compete with others on an obstacle course designed to test your physical limits? Then you must take part in this race.

When: Dec 13

Competition for a bike run has never been fiercer – or cooler – than when you are on a sand dune chugging away on your metallic cohort.

When: Dec 14.

See history come to life in this segment where falcons will take to the skies and perform tricks. Ask nicely, and you may get a nice pic out of this demo.

When: Dec 15-17

You are in for a while ride with this one - drivers will compete with (almost) unbelievable stunts with their cars - think epic jumps, a growling engine, and ultimate control behind the wheel.

When: Dec 19-20

Run, run, run as fast as you can – this is where you go to test the strength and stamina of your own two feet.

When: Dec 20

Similarly, you can ride your way to the front of the line with these races, held the very next day.

When: Dec 21

Watch a predator in action when the falcons fly is search of the pigeons. The race is a lesson in speed and heritage.

When: Dec 23-24

Calling all petrolheads, keep an eye on your tires at this event.

When: Dec 25

You’ll have plenty to do on this day – there are a number of races up for enrolment to.

When: Dec 26.

Do you play Padel? Exercise your prowess on the court.

When: Dec 26-28

Lace up and get ready to race on your favourite two-wheeler.

When: Dec 27

Enough said.

When: Dec 28-29

For a real drifting challenge, you’ve got to see the prowess drivers show on the dunes when they maneuver between traditional drifting with advanced digital simulations.

When: Dec 30

Action, trepidation, and (some) motion sickness come together in these epic contests of steering control. Drivers tackle tough dunes with steep slopes to prove their mettle.

When: Dec 31- Jan 3

Use winter to buff up or just enjoy a game or two of football or Padel – games will happen every weekend though the fest.

Sun, sand, and an epic bout – enjoy the cooler weather of the dessert by cheering on your favourite punch thrower.

When: Dec 15-21

For new experiences and a chance to get a glimpse of new products, check out this conference.

When: Dec 19, 20, 21

From daily dune projection shows and drone shows to hot air balloon displays every weekend, the carnival atmosphere will be taken up a notch come dusk. You’ll also get your dose of fireworks dotting the sky during the opening ceremony, weekends, New Year’s Eve and the closing ceremony. The Performance Stage will also host live music, cultural acts, and daily entertainment.

Feed your competitive spirit with a game of Water Karting or Mini Tank Paintball when you head here.

When: Dec 12-Jan 3

Bond with the littles at Liwa Village where groups of all ages will find entertainment that includes options such as water karting, carnival rides, skill games, pony rides, and two ziplines, The Classic Car Museum, Auto Zone, Horror Escape Room, and Smash Room. There’s even a petting zoo.

With all the games, don’t forget to take home a little something – arts and crafts – from pop-up stores as you go about your business.

One day won’t do, so how about making a short break of it? You can pre-book glamping tents or other accommodation and enjoy the night sky and its sparkles against the backdrop of golden dunes.