The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced programming details and the impressive lineup of partners for this year’s Liwa Village at Liwa International Festival 2026, which continues until 3 January 2026. Set within Al Dhafra Region’s iconic desert landscape, the festival is one of Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated winter celebrations, presenting thrilling motorsports challenges and honouring the UAE’s heritage through culture, entertainment, and family experiences.

Liwa Village: The Festival’s Cultural & Entertainment Heartbeat

Located at the heart of the Liwa International Festival, cultural and entertainment destination Liwa Village is an expansive space where heritage, creativity, adventure, and family experiences come together in one seamlessly curated journey. Built around six immersive zones – Shams Liwa, Wanasa, Meydan, Souk, Adrenaline, and Auto – the Village offers a rich lineup of activities designed to engage every age group and interest, inviting visitors to explore a world that celebrates the UAE’s traditions while embracing the energy of modern entertainment.

Shams Liwa, crowned by its iconic Ferris Wheel, provides sweeping views of the Village and the golden dunes surrounding it, setting the tone for a memorable visit. The cultural heart of the Village is the Souk, inspired by traditional Emirati markets, bringing heritage to life through pottery workshops, weaving, henna, live cooking sessions, artisan showcases, and sensory cultural experiences that resonate with both residents and tourists.

For younger visitors, Wanasa delivers a vibrant mix of creative workshops, carnival rides, maze adventures, and play parks crafted to spark imagination and connection. Meydan, the dynamic teen zone, enhances this year’s programme with immersive challenges including smash rooms, horror escape rooms, strategic games, and interactive stage moments tailored to bold, expressive youth.

Adventure-seekers will enjoy the Adrenaline Zone, home to high-energy rides, carnival attractions, and thrilling games that add momentum to the Village’s lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, motoring fans will find a dedicated haven in the Auto Zone, featuring a rotating exhibition of classic cars, RC racing tracks, jeep experiences, and hands-on motoring-themed activations that celebrate the UAE’s strong automotive culture.

Beyond its core zones, this year’s Liwa Village expands with signature attractions including the Monster Jam Arena, the family-friendly Petting Zoo & Pony Grove, and the adrenaline-fuelled Desert Rally and Water Karting experiences, ensuring every visitor can navigate their own adventure across the Village’s extended footprint.

Across the festival’s 23 days, the Village will host live shows, hands-on workshops, interactive installations, cultural showcases, and exclusive partner activations, creating a deeply engaging, accessible, and family-friendly environment. With its diversity, scale, and heritage-driven design, Liwa Village promises an unmissable experience that brings culture, entertainment, and community together on The Desert’s Grand Stage.

A destination brought to life through partnerships

As Liwa Village expands its offering for the 2026 edition, this year’s partners will introduce a selection of dedicated activities, displays, and guest experiences. Emirates NBD joins as Zone Presenting Partner, alongside Official Partners Noon, CFI Financial Group, Al Masaood Equipment Rental, Ma Hawa, Yango Group, and Al Ain Zoo, each contributing engaging touchpoints designed to amplify the Village atmosphere. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi returns as Medical Partner, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all visitors across the Village grounds.

A focus on sustainability

LIWA Village is setting a new benchmark in sustainability this year, powering the venue with clean mobile energy. DCT Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with event organiser LINKVIVA and their energy partner Kilo Energy, set up a large temporary solar farm at the festival grounds, proving not only that renewable energy can powering entire events, but also that such solutions are more convenient for event guests, as they are free of noise and emissions.

The system, developed by Kilo Energy, combines a large-scale portable solar farm with high-end Huawei energy storage systems, ensuring a steady supply of clean energy day and night.The deployed clean mobile energy system is optimised for use at events of any size, and reflects DCT Abu Dhabi’s leadership in adopting innovative, future-ready energy infrastructure to redefine how events can be powered.

A Beloved Tradition for Over Two Decades

For more than 20 years, the Liwa International Festival has been a cherished annual event, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from the UAE, region and around the world. Each year the event continues to grow and evolve, offering an experience that blends tradition with modern-day appeal, ensuring it remains the ultimate winter destination in Abu Dhabi.

Whether visiting for a day or staying for an extended desert escape, Liwa International Festival 2026 provides a unique opportunity to connect with the UAE’s heritage, create unforgettable memories with loved ones, and enjoy an authentic celebration of Emirati culture.