By Malak Khaled
The Liwa International Festival 2025 is a prominent annual event held in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Scheduled from December 13, 2024, to January 4, 2025, the festival offers a dynamic blend of motorsports, cultural activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
Key Activities to Enjoy
Motorsports Competitions
The Liwa International Festival is a haven for motorsport fans, featuring high-speed competitions like the Moreeb Hill Climb Championship. The steep Moreeb Dune, or “horror hill,” brings together four-wheel drives, quad bikes, and dirt bikes to compete. It is considered to be the world’s tallest sand dune.
The festival also showcases drag racing, freestyle drift, and sand drift competitions, drawing participants from around the world to display their skills in these extreme sports. These events create an adrenaline-filled atmosphere and have made the festival a key destination for motorsport lovers.
Traditional Sports
A major highlight of the festival is its celebration of Emirati traditions through sports that have been part of the region’s heritage for centuries.
Visitors can witness camel and horse races, both of which are deeply rooted in the culture of the UAE. Camel racing, known for its high-speed action, takes place in the desert sands, while horse races feature majestic purebred horses competing on a flat desert track.
The festival is also famous for hosting falconry competitions, showcasing the skill and precision of falcons and their trainers, as well as traditional archery, which pays homage to the region’s historical methods of hunting and warfare. These events offer a glimpse into the rich cultural practices that have shaped the UAE’s identity.
Entertainment and Cultural Activities
The festival is a vibrant hub of entertainment, with live performances by local and international artists, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
The festival’s cultural workshops allow attendees to immerse themselves in Emirati traditions, from calligraphy to music and dance. Not to mention, there are nightly fireworks that create a magical atmosphere under the stars.
A key feature is the Liwa Village, which has become a lively marketplace offering local crafts, foods, and art. This area allows visitors to interact with artisans, try traditional foods, and experience the culture of the UAE in a relaxed, interactive setting.
Festival Highlights
Monster Jam Show
For fans of larger-than-life entertainment, the Monster Jam Show is a major attraction at the Liwa International Festival. Scheduled for December 27–28, 2024, this thrilling event features some of the world’s most massive monster trucks performing incredible stunts, including jumps, wheelies, and freestyle tricks.
The show is designed to thrill audiences of all ages with its powerful machines and jaw-dropping performances. It’s a must-see event for anyone interested in motorsports and extreme stunts.
Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel
One of the new highlights of the festival is the Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Liwa Desert and festival grounds. The Ferris wheel stands as a symbol of modern entertainment in a region known for its traditional culture.
Visitors can enjoy a serene ride that allows them to take in the vast desert landscapes from above. This addition to the festival provides a peaceful escape and offers visitors a chance to see the festival from a unique vantage point while enjoying the stunning desert sunset.
The Liwa International Festival 2025 offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and thrilling sports of the UAE. Whether you’re a motorsports enthusiast, a culture aficionado, or a family seeking entertainment, the festival provides a diverse range of activities set against the stunning backdrop of the Al Dhafra desert.
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