Liwa International Festival 2026 Opening Ceremony Features Sports And Cultural Attractions With Sheikh Hamdan And Sheikh Hazza
The Liwa International Festival 2026 commenced with a grand opening ceremony attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event, running until 3 January 2026 in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra Region, showcases a variety of sporting tournaments, heritage displays, and attractions that define the 2025 edition.
During their visit, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan and H.H. Sheikh Hazza explored the festival grounds, gaining insights into the major events planned for this year. They also visited Liwa Village, the cultural and entertainment centre of the festival, which offers a vibrant programme featuring art, heritage, and family experiences.
The opening ceremony was marked by an innovative sound, light, laser, and drone show that concluded with a spectacular fireworks display over the Liwa desert. Attendees were also treated to a special performance by Al Fursan, the UAE’s official aerobatic team.
Liwa International Festival 2026 is organised by DCT Abu Dhabi under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It collaborates with various entities including Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, and others to present a rich programme combining family entertainment with cultural and heritage experiences.
The festival features an extensive lineup of motorsports and sporting competitions such as speed races, dune driving challenges, freestyle shows, sand racing, drift and burnout competitions, drag racing, and UTV circuit races. Additionally, it hosts falconry championships, electronic freestyle championships, sand wrestling matches, boxing bouts, and the Extreme Mud Fest driving challenge introduced this year.
Visitors can enjoy light shows, drone flights, hot air balloon rides, and weekend fireworks displays. The festival is an ideal destination for New Year celebrations amidst adventure-filled activities in the scenic Al Dhafra Region.
Cultural Experiences at Liwa Village
Liwa Village continues to celebrate UAE’s rich heritage through curated experiences featuring a traditional souk, creative workshops, family zones offering water karting and carnival games. Visitors can also enjoy zip lines, an escape room experience alongside authentic Emirati cuisine and global food outlets.
A special concert on New Year's Eve will be followed by a fireworks show. On 31 December 2025, the Moreeb Dune Car Championship kicks off for motorsports enthusiasts as they welcome 2026.
Regional Significance of LIWA 2026
LIWA 2026 highlights Al Dhafra Region's appeal as a destination through its diverse programme inviting everyone to create memories with family while enriching their passion for adventure sports culture arts music. The festival reaffirms its status as one of the most prominent winter events both regionally internationally attracting audiences ranging from camping desert enthusiasts adventure lovers traditional sports fans speed racing enthusiasts.
With inputs from WAM
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