Dates confirmed: Abu Dhabi’s MOTN and Liwa International Festival return in winter 2026

MOTN Festival will commence on 28 November 2026, followed by the Liwa International Festival on 11 December 2026, marking the return of two major winter events in Abu Dhabi. The festivals, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will run across multiple locations until early January 2027.

Festival dates and locations

MOTN Festival, themed ‘World of Wonder’, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and will continue until 3 January 2027. It will be held across Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra Region. The festival opens at Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra and Al Jahili Park in Al Ain from 28 November to 2 December, before moving to Abu Dhabi Corniche from 9 December to 3 January 2027.

Liwa International Festival 2027 will run from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027, set against Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune at over 300 metres. The festival will feature motorsport competitions, live entertainment, heritage experiences and family attractions in the Liwa desert.

New attractions and entertainment

At MOTN, three themed zones will debut at the Corniche. Melting Aurora targets younger visitors, Beyond the Sky offers immersive experiences for teenagers and young adults, and The Golden Hour brings families and friends together with new food concepts, live entertainment, shopping and social activities.

Liwa Village, the festival’s entertainment and dining hub, will introduce more than half of its rides and attractions as new or reimagined concepts. New rides include the Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower, alongside activities such as Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run, Desert Heist, Drift Trike and Climb Quest. Bungee jumping will also be available.

International action sports brand Nitro Circus will make its festival debut on 19 and 20 December, with three shows featuring over 15 athletes performing freestyle motocross and BMX stunts, choreographed routines and pyrotechnic displays. Tickets for Nitro Circus are available through Platinumlist.

Motorsport remains central, with freestyle displays, motorbike drag racing, falcon racing, sand freestyle displays and drifting competitions scheduled throughout December. The Tal Moreeb Car Championship will close the programme from 30 December to 2 January.

Community sporting activities include the Liwa Sign Climb Challenge on 19 December, a cycling race on 21 December, the Liwa Festival Community Run on 23 December, a padel tournament on 24 and 25 December, and a fitness tour on 29 December.

Heritage and cultural programme

A new Heritage Village will showcase Emirati traditions through demonstrations, workshops and interactive activities. Visitors can explore falconry, Nabati poetry, traditional games, palm-leaf weaving and Emirati hospitality, including majlis customs and the preparation and serving of gahwa. The wider festival experience extends to heritage sites across Al Dhafra, including Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort, Al Yabana Fort, Khanour Fort and Mezairaa Fort.

Plan your visit

MOTN Festival runs from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 across its three regional locations, with the Abu Dhabi Corniche edition opening on 9 December. Liwa International Festival 2027 runs from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027. The full programme and visit information is available at liwainternationalfestival.ae. Tickets for Liwa Village can be purchased at liwavillage.ae, while Nitro Circus tickets are available through Platinumlist.

What changes for you

What

Two major winter festivals – MOTN (10th anniversary) and Liwa International Festival – return with new attractions, themed zones, heritage experiences, and motorsport events.

From when

28 November 2026 for MOTN Festival; 11 December 2026 for Liwa International Festival.

Who

Residents and visitors in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra.

Where

MOTN at Al Mugheirah Bay (Al Dhafra), Al Jahili Park (Al Ain), and Abu Dhabi Corniche; Liwa International Festival at Tal Moreeb in the Liwa desert. Tickets and programme details at liwainternationalfestival.ae, liwavillage.ae, and Platinumlist.