Registration Opens for Liwa International Festival 2026

The organising committee of the Liwa International Festival 2026 has officially announced the opening of registration for its various services, competitions, and accompanying activities. The festival will take place from 12th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026 in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, and will once again turn the desert into a hub of culture, adventure, and entertainment.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and Miral, the festival is held in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Media Network. The event is part of the emirate’s ongoing efforts to celebrate Emirati heritage while offering visitors world-class adventure and cultural experiences.

Spanning 23 days, the Liwa International Festival has become one of the leading winter destinations in the region. Each year, it attracts thousands of visitors from the UAE and abroad. Adventure seekers, camping lovers, and fans of desert sports gather in Liwa to enjoy a blend of culture, entertainment, and outdoor excitement. The festival’s combination of sports, music, and heritage events makes it a highlight of the UAE’s winter calendar.

This year’s edition promises to feature top international competitors, thrilling heritage sports, and motor racing events that showcase both skill and endurance. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant mix of fireworks displays, live music concerts, and family-friendly desert activities, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Al Dhafra desert. The festival continues to build on its reputation for blending traditional Emirati culture with modern attractions that appeal to all ages.

According to the official schedule, registration for commercial services will open on 1st November 2025. This will be followed by camping reservations—both free and designated paid areas—starting on 5th November. Finally, registration for racing competitions will begin on 15th November. The organising committee has planned this phased approach to ensure an organised and smooth registration experience for all participants and visitors.

The committee has encouraged everyone interested in participating to visit the festival’s official website or follow Liwa Sports Club’s social media accounts for the latest updates and detailed registration procedures. These platforms will provide full details on how to apply for participation, reserve campsites, or register for specific competitions. The organisers aim to make the process simple and transparent for both local and international participants.

The Liwa International Festival plays a vital role in promoting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and cultural heritage. It draws attention to the natural beauty of the Al Dhafra desert while offering visitors unique opportunities to explore Emirati traditions, including camel racing, falconry, and desert camping. The event also supports local businesses and provides a boost to the regional economy through tourism-related activities.

Beyond entertainment, the festival serves as a bridge connecting the past and the present. By showcasing heritage sports and cultural traditions, it highlights the UAE’s commitment to preserving its identity while embracing modern innovation. Local families, artisans, and cultural groups actively participate each year, ensuring that the event remains rooted in community values and shared pride.

The 2026 edition of the festival will place greater emphasis on visitor comfort and safety. With the participation of Abu Dhabi Police and Al Dhafra Municipality, the organisers are ensuring well-managed traffic, security, and medical facilities. Special zones will be established for families, vendors, and entertainment activities, making the experience enjoyable and convenient for everyone attending.

Every year, the Liwa International Festival transforms the vast dunes of Al Dhafra into a world of excitement. It offers a rare blend of sportsmanship, culture, and natural beauty, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors. With registrations now open, adventure enthusiasts, families, and travellers from around the world are invited to be part of this iconic desert celebration.

The Liwa International Festival 2026 represents more than just a sporting event—it is a celebration of culture, unity, and adventure that brings people together in the heart of the desert. As registrations begin, the excitement builds for another year of unforgettable moments under the desert sky. Through events like this, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global destination for culture, tourism, and innovation.