Liwa Festival 2025–26: What to Know About Moreeb Dune

If you’ve seen the viral videos—supercharged Nissans defying gravity up a vertical wall of sand, fireworks illuminating the Empty Quarter, and a neon-lit village emerging in the middle of nowhere—you’ve glimpsed the Liwa International Festival.

Often called the Moreeb Dune Festival, this is the UAE’s largest celebration of motorsports, Bedouin heritage, and winter camping culture. For first-timers, it can feel intimidating. Do I need a 4×4? Where do I sleep? Is it safe for kids?

This guide answers all those questions. We’ve fact-checked the 2025–2026 schedules, performers, and logistics to ensure you have a smooth trip to the Al Dhafra region.

The Basics (What, Where, When)

What Is It?

Think “Coachella meets Mad Max” with a distinctly Emirati soul. The festival centers around Tal Moreeb, one of the world’s highest sand dunes (approximately 300 meters with a 50-degree incline).

The Vibe: By day, roaring engines and picnics. By night, concerts, chilly bonfires, and a bustling carnival atmosphere.

The Crowd: A mix of motorsport enthusiasts, camping lovers, families, and international tourists.

The 2025–2026 Dates

• Official Dates: December 12, 2025 – January 3, 2026 (23 days)
• Festival Grounds: Open 24/7
• Liwa Village Hours:
  • Weekdays: 4:00 PM – Midnight
  • Fridays/Saturdays/New Year’s Eve: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Tal Moreeb Park & Commercial Zones: Open 24/7
• Liwa Walk: Open 24/7
• Motorsports: Typically run from late afternoon (6:00 PM) into evening to avoid peak heat

Location

• Region: Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi
• GPS: Search for “Moreeb Dune” or “Tal Moreeb” on Google Maps
• Distance: Approximately 220 km from Abu Dhabi City; 4.5 hours from Dubai

Getting There & Debunking The “Car Myth”

This is the most common anxiety for new visitors. Let’s clear it up immediately.

Myth: “I need a tricked-out Jeep to go to Liwa Festival.”

Fact: You can drive a Honda Civic to the front door.

The road to the Moreeb Dune festival site is a fully paved, double-lane asphalt highway. You don’t need to drive on sand for even a single meter if you don’t want to.

For Sedan Drivers: Drive all the way to the festival entrance. There’s a massive paved public parking lot right outside the Liwa Village and spectator stands. From there, walk or take the free shuttle buggies to main attractions. Parking is free.

For 4×4 Drivers: A 4WD vehicle is only necessary if you plan to:

• Leave the paved road to set up a private camp deep in the dunes
• Access off-road spectator zones

The Route & Gas Strategy

The drive is long and goes through the Empty Quarter.

The Last Gas Station: Once you pass Liwa City (Mezairaa), you have about 25–30 km of desert road to the festival.

Fill Up Strategy: Stop at the ADNOC station in Liwa City. Grab ice, firewood, and snacks there. Prices inside the festival are significantly higher.

Road Safety: The road is lit with streetlights for the final 20 km, but the drive from Abu Dhabi to Liwa can be dark. Watch for camels (fences are good but not perfect) and speed cameras.

Complete Day-by-Day Schedule (December 12 – January 3)

The festival runs for 23 action-packed days. Here’s your complete daily planner to help you decide which days to visit based on your interests.

Week 1: The Launch & Heritage (December 12–18)

Focus: Opening ceremonies, heritage competitions, and the start of drift battles.

Thursday, December 12 (Opening Day)

• 6:00 PM: Opening Ceremony featuring Forsan Al Emarat Air Show & Fireworks
• 6:00 PM: Freestyle Drift Championship (Round 1)
• Daily: Drone Shows & Nightly Entertainment begin

Friday, December 13

• 6:00 PM: Freestyle Drift Championship (Round 1 continues)
• Daytime: Spartan Race Liwa

Saturday, December 14

• 6:00 PM: Bike Drag Racing (Categories: UTV Stock/Modified, Buggy, 2-Wheel Stock)

Monday, December 15 – Wednesday, December 17

• 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Falconry Competition (Owners & Professionals)
• Ongoing: Boxing Championship (runs until December 21)

Week 2: Mud, Sand & Speed (December 19–25)

Focus: The new Extreme Mud Fest and the high-octane Burnout Championship.

Thursday, December 19

• All Day: Extreme Mud Fest (Quads, Mega Trucks, Bounty Hole)
• 6:00 PM: Car Stunt Championship (Day 1)
• Event: GITUR Travel Conference begins (runs until December 21)

Friday, December 20

• All Day: Extreme Mud Fest (Day 2)
• 6:00 PM: Car Stunt Championship (Day 2)
• Daytime: Liwa Running Challenge

Saturday, December 21

• 6:00 PM: Liwa UTV Racing (Turbo & Non-Turbo)
• Daytime: Liwa Cycling Race
• Event: Jetour Activation

Sunday, December 22 – Monday, December 23

• 6:00 PM: Freestyle Drift Championship (Round 2: N & S Categories)

Tuesday, December 23 – Wednesday, December 24

• 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Pigeon Hunt Competition (Hedad Al-Hamam Championship)

Thursday, December 25

• 6:00 PM: Liwa Burnout Championship (Saloon & 4×4 Cars)
• Note: This is one of the loudest events of the festival. Ear protection recommended.

Week 3: The Monster Weekend (December 26–29)

Focus: International entertainment with Monster Jam and thrilling motorsports.

Friday, December 26 (Monster Jam Day 1)

• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Monster Jam Pit Party (AED 15 additional fee, first show attendees only)
• 6:00 PM – 8:15 PM: Monster Jam Show 1 (includes 20-minute interval)
• 11:00 PM – 1:15 AM: Monster Jam Show 2 (includes 20-minute interval)
• 6:00 PM: Liwa Drift Championship (Stock Category)
• Sports: Tal Moreeb Running Challenge, Sand Wrestling, Liwa Padel Championship begins

Saturday, December 27 (Monster Jam Day 2)

• Monster Jam: Same schedule as Friday
• 6:00 PM: Liwa Drift Championship (Professionals Category)
• Sports: Liwa Cycling Challenge
• Ongoing: Liwa Padel Championship (December 26–28)

Sunday, December 28

• 6:00 PM: Car Stunt Championship (Return)
• 6:00 PM: Sand Show Championship

Monday, December 29

• 6:00 PM: Sand Show Championship (Final Round)

The Grand Finale: Moreeb Hill Climb (December 30 – January 3)

Focus: The Main Event – the world’s most powerful cars vs. the 50-degree dune.

Tuesday, December 30

• 6:00 PM: Electronic Freestyle Championship

Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve)

• 6:00 PM: Tal Moreeb Car Championship Begins
• Categories: Electric Vehicles, Hybrid
• Evening: Special New Year’s Eve Concert
• Midnight: New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular

Thursday, January 1, 2026

• 6:00 PM: Tal Moreeb Car Championship
• Categories: 6 Cylinder Turbo, 8 Cylinder NOS

Friday, January 2, 2026

• 6:00 PM: Tal Moreeb Car Championship
• Categories: 8 Cylinder Turbo, 6 Cylinder NOS

Saturday, January 3, 2026 (Closing Night)

• 6:00 PM: Tal Moreeb Car Championship (The Finals)
• Categories: Open Category, Stock, Hilux
• 8:00 PM: Closing Ceremony & Fireworks Display

Best Days to Visit Based on Your Interest

• For Opening Spectacle: December 12 (Opening Ceremony with Air Show)
• For Family Entertainment: December 26–27 (Monster Jam Weekend)
• For Extreme Noise & Action: December 25 (Burnout Championship)
• For Heritage & Culture: December 15–17 (Falconry), December 23–24 (Pigeon Hunt)
• For The Main Event: December 31 – January 3 (Hill Climb & New Year’s Eve)
• For New Experiences: December 19–20 (Extreme Mud Fest debut)

Note: All schedules are subject to weather changes. Download the Liwa Sports Club app for real-time updates.

Concerts & Entertainment

The main stage in Liwa Village hosts major Arab music stars. Concerts typically start late (around 9:00–10:00 PM).

Confirmed 2025–2026 Performers:

• Yara: Lebanese singing sensation performing iconic romantic hits
• DJ Viny Roumy: High-energy sets blending global beats with Arabic hits

Past editions have featured:

• Mutref Al Mutref & Mohammed Al Bakri
• Hamad Al Ameri & Aryam
• Aseel Hameem & Mahmoud Al Turki
• Abadi Al Johar & Rahma Riad (New Year’s Eve)

Check the official Liwa Festival website and social media (@liwafest) for the complete concert lineup and performance dates.

Daily Entertainment Throughout the Festival

Available Daily (December 12 – January 3):

• Dune Projection Shows (nightly)
• Drone Displays (nightly)
• Water Karting
• Mini Tank Paintball
• Live performances at Liwa Village Performance Stage
• Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel (panoramic desert views)
• Hollywood Circus (acrobats and magicians)

Weekend Highlights:

• Hot Air Balloon Rides (weekends only, weather permitting)
• Football and Padel Tournaments
• Fireworks displays on weekends, plus opening and closing ceremonies

Liwa Village (Food, Shopping & Zones)

If you aren’t into cars, you’ll spend your time here. Liwa Village is a ticketed zone (entry typically ranges from 15–30 AED, with children 0–3 free) that feels like a high-end winter market. This year, the village has expanded by 30% compared to previous editions.

The Six Zones

1. Souk (The Market): Traditional Emirati handicrafts, perfumes, spices, and winter fashion
2. Oasis (The Chill Zone): Relaxing seating areas, art installations, and slower-paced dining
3. Pavilion: Cultural exhibits explaining Bedouin tribes in Al Dhafra
4. Wanasa (Family Zone): Carnival rides, skill games, petting zoo, pony rides, escape rooms, and workshops
5. Adrenaline: Simulators, karting, laser tag, and ziplines
6. Tarab Liwa (Stage): Where concerts and cultural performances happen

Food Options

Don’t expect just hot dogs. The food options are “Dubai standard.” Expect over 120 food trucks and pop-ups from famous UAE brands like High Joint (burgers), DRVN (coffee), and Salt, alongside traditional Emirati dishes like Harees and Luqaimat.

Budget Tip: Food inside the village is pricey (burgers can be 45–60 AED). If you’re on a budget, eat at cafeterias in Liwa City before driving in, or bring your own cooler (allowed in camping zones, but usually not inside Village gates).

Where to Stay (Accommodation Guide)

You have three options: Luxury, Glamping, or DIY Survival.

1. The Luxury Route

• Anantara Qasr Al Sarab: One of the world’s most famous desert resorts, about 70–90 minutes from the festival site. Status: Likely sold out or extremely expensive (€800+ per night)
• Tilal Liwa Hotel / Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa: Solid 4-star options, about 20–40 minutes from the dune
• Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort: Beachfront resort option further from the site

Tip: Book immediately if available. These hotels fill up fast.

2. Glamping (The Happy Medium)

Organized by the festival, these are rented units near the action but with beds and electricity.

• The Pods: Small, air-conditioned units with real beds
• RV Rentals: You can rent a parked RV through the Liwa Sports Club app

Pros: Stay on-site without the hassle of pitching a tent.
Cons: They sell out fast and can cost 500–1,000+ AED per night.

3. DIY Camping (The Real Experience)

This is what 80% of visitors do.

Public Camping Zones: Designated areas where you can pitch a tent for free or a nominal fee. You must bring everything.

The Rules:

• No bonfires directly on sand (bring a fire pit)
• Clean up every scrap of trash. Police are strict about littering fines.
• Noise control: Families usually camp further from the motorsports track to avoid 2 AM engine noise.

The Survival Kit (What to Pack)

Liwa is an extreme environment—a harsh desert with dramatic temperature swings.

1. Clothing: The “Onion” Strategy

• Daytime (24°C): T-shirt and sunglasses. The sun is strong.
• Nighttime (8–10°C): It gets bone-deep cold. Humidity rises at night, making the air damp.

Pack: Heavy winter jacket, beanie/woolen hat, and closed-toe shoes (sneakers or boots). Don’t wear sandals at night; the sand gets freezing cold.

2. Tech & Connectivity

• Signal: Etisalat and Du have reinforced 5G towers at the site. Signal is surprisingly good in main areas but can be spotty in deep dunes.
• Power: Bring a high-capacity power bank. Your phone battery drains faster in cold weather and while searching for signal.
• EV Charging: Dedicated EV charging stations are available across the festival site.

3. Safety Items

• Ear Protection: If you watch Burnout or Drag Racing, bring earplugs. Modified engines are deafening, especially for children.
• Eye Drops & Scarf: It’s dusty. A “Shemagh” (traditional scarf) is useful to wrap around your face if wind picks up.
• Sunscreen & Hat: Essential for daytime sun protection
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated (reusable bottles recommended)

Sample Itineraries

Option A: The Day Tripper (From Abu Dhabi)

• 12:00 PM: Depart Abu Dhabi
• 3:30 PM: Arrive at Moreeb Dune, park in paved lot
• 4:00 PM: Enter Liwa Village, grab coffee and explore the Souk
• 5:30 PM (Golden Hour): Walk up spectator dunes to watch sunset and motorsports qualifiers. Take photos.
• 7:30 PM: Dinner at food trucks
• 9:00 PM: Watch concert or main race event
• 11:00 PM: Drive back (arrive home by 2:30 AM)

Option B: The Overnighter

Day 1:

• 2:00 PM: Arrive. Set up camp while it’s still light. Don’t try to pitch a tent in the dark.
• Evening: Enjoy the festival, then retreat to your camp for a BBQ (bring your own grill/meat). Sleep under the stars.

Day 2:

• 7:00 AM: Wake for sunrise—the most magical time in the desert (dead silent and misty).
• Before Noon: Pack up and leave before heat intensifies.

Option C: The Monster Jam Weekend (December 26–27)

Friday, December 26:

• 2:00 PM: Arrive and set up camp
• 3:00 PM: Monster Jam Pit Party (meet the drivers, see trucks up close)
• 6:00 PM: Monster Jam First Show
• 8:30 PM: Dinner at Liwa Village
• 10:00 PM: Concert or explore the village
• 11:00 PM: Monster Jam Second Show (late-night adrenaline!)

Saturday, December 27:

• Morning: Sunrise desert walk or sand activities
• Afternoon: Rest at camp, explore Liwa Walk
• 6:00 PM: Liwa Drift Championship (Professionals)
• Evening: Second Monster Jam show if you want more, or enjoy cultural performances

Option D: New Year’s Eve Spectacular (December 31 – January 1)

December 31:

• Afternoon: Arrive, set up camp, explore village
• 6:00 PM: Watch Tal Moreeb Car Championship (Electric & Hybrid categories)
• 9:00 PM: New Year’s Eve Concert
• Midnight: Fireworks Spectacular over the dunes
• Post-Midnight: Celebration continues in Liwa Village

January 1, 2026:

• Morning: Recover, enjoy camp breakfast
• 6:00 PM: Hill Climb continues (6 Cylinder Turbo, 8 Cylinder NOS)
• Evening: Stay for entertainment or head home

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
A: General admission to the festival grounds is free. For Liwa Village, it’s safer to buy online (via the official website or PlatinumList) to skip queues, but you can buy at the gate. Monster Jam tickets include free Liwa Village access. For motorsports participation, you must register via the Liwa Sports Club (LSC) app.

Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Yes! Liwa Village is very family-oriented with rides, petting zoos, pony rides, workshops, and escape rooms. However, motorsports areas are loud and chaotic. Keep a close eye on children near track areas, and bring ear protection for events like Burnout and Drag Racing.

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: No. Pets are generally not allowed inside Liwa Village or main festival grounds due to noise and crowds.

Q: Is there alcohol?
A: No. The Liwa Festival is a dry event—a family-friendly cultural celebration. Don’t bring alcohol to the campsite.

Q: What happens if I get stuck in the sand?
A: Don’t panic. The community is incredibly helpful. Wave down a passing patrol car or a local in a Nissan Patrol—they’ll likely pull you out for free (it’s part of the culture). However, stay on the paved road if you don’t have recovery gear.

Q: Are there medical facilities?
A: Yes. A minimum of two 24/7 on-site medical clinics are available, along with security teams and civil defense personnel.

Q: What about food allergies or dietary restrictions?
A: The F&B zone offers diverse options including vegetarian and international cuisines. However, if you have severe allergies, consider bringing some of your own food for camping.

Q: How much should I budget for the festival?
A: For a weekend visit: Liwa Village entry (15-30 AED), food (100-200 AED per day), glamping or hotel (500-1,000+ AED per night), Monster Jam tickets (varies), plus fuel and incidentals. DIY camping significantly reduces costs.

Q: What’s the best time to take photos?
A: Golden hour (5:00-6:30 PM) offers stunning light on the dunes. Night photography during fireworks and drone shows is spectacular. Sunrise (6:30-7:30 AM) provides peaceful, misty desert scenes.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive Early: Get a head start on your day and allow plenty of time to explore
• Dress for Comfort: Wear breathable clothing during the day and layers for evening
• Stay Connected: Follow @liwafest on social media for real-time updates and schedule changes
• Stay Safe: Follow safety guidelines, especially around motorsport events and camping areas
• Dress Modestly: In line with local culture and traditions
• Download the App: Install the “Liwa Sports Club (LSC)” app for the latest schedules, maps, and registration
• On-Site Essentials: Supermarkets, ATMs, and a petrol station are available for convenience
• Stay Hydrated: Daytime temperatures can still be high even in winter

Conclusion

The Liwa International Festival 2025–2026 is more than just a car show—it’s a window into the modern soul of the UAE, where traditional hospitality meets high-octane engineering.

Whether you go for the Monster Jam trucks, the New Year’s Eve fireworks, or just to sit on a dune drinking Karak tea while watching the spectacle unfold, it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

Ready to go?

• Download the “Liwa Sports Club” app
• Pack your heaviest winter jacket
• Fill up your gas tank
• Drive safe

See you on the Moreeb!

For the latest updates, visit: liwainternationalfestival.ae
Follow: @liwafest on social media