As temperatures slowly but surely dip across the UAE, the iconic Liwa International Festival (Tel Moreeb 2024) is set to offer a winter escape, featuring music, high-octane thrills, F&B, and other engaging activities.

From 8 to 31 December, the festival will take over the enchanting Liwa City in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, offering a wintertime treat for citizens, residents and visitors seeking a break from busy urban life.

The Liwa Festival – organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism & Liwa Sport Club – takes place amid a historic settlement, the home of the amazing Tel Moreeb, one of the world’s tallest sand dunes at a staggering 300 metres.

Bigger, Better and Bolder

Every year, the Liwa festival attracts a huge array of adventure-seekers, from 4×4 enthusiasts and RV owners to dune buggy aficionados, all of whom converge at the stunning location for an unforgettable winter experience.

And this year, Liwa Village has grown by 20 per cent, offering the most diverse array of attractions and mega-events, all of which are set against the backdrop of the stunning desert dunes. Visitors can experience a cultural souk, creative workshops, family entertainment, and a kids’ play zone. It’s even got a PUBG IP within the village, an overall interactive experience with main stage competitions, photo opportunities 4 game zones, laser tag and SO MUCH MORE! The festival also boasts a lineup of musical concerts featuring performances by acclaimed artists like Diana Haddad, Abdullah Al-ruwaishid, Ghareeb Almokhles, and Abadi Al Johar.

Here are some of the activities that visitors can look forward to this year:

Monster Jam: Automobile enthusiasts, gear up for adrenaline-pumping monster truck action on 27 and 28 December, featuring a heart-stopping display of speed and skill. There’s enough of the action to go around, with capacity for over 16,000 spectators across four shows.

Music Concerts: Get your desert groove on each weekend with a line-up of artists and music concerts amid the dunes – 

• 9 December:  Bandar Bin Oweer and Ghareeb Almokhles
• 16 December: Abdullah Al-ruwaishid , Ali Bin Mohammed; and Diana Haddad
• 23 December: Abadi Al Johar and Mutref Al Muter
• 31 December: Khalid Abdulrahman, Eida Al Menhali and Hamad AlAmri

Dune Light Projections: Get a cultural crash course through high-resolution video projections on Tel Moreeb narrating the rich history and vivid tales of the festival, accompanied by daily fireworks.

Food Truck Plaza: Indulge your taste buds at the communal square with 120 food trucks serving up delectable and diverse fare, a dedicated kid’s playground, and a stage for aspiring musicians.

Bedouin & Safari Tent Accommodation: No visit to Liwa is complete without an overnight stay, and this year’s festival features up to 1,400 new tents adorned with traditional Sadu patterns, crafted by local artisans, for a special Emirati touch.

Glamping Pods: If luxury is more your style, then camp out in the desert with air-conditioned, 40-square-metre glamping pods, providing respite from the sand while offering a premium stay.

RV Parking: Experience the ultimate family getaway with an extensive recreational vehicle (RV) park, which includes accommodation for 800 RVs and an expanded offering of recreational amenities including kid-friendly play zones and a variety of sports facilities.

Grand Finale on New Year’s Eve: A musical performance and fireworks display that will illuminate the Liwa skies, marking the culmination of a memorable event filled with adventure, culture, and excitement.

For more information, go here