Liwa International Festival and MOTN have announced their winter 2026 opening dates in Abu Dhabi and their return is sooner than you think
Two of Abu Dhabi’s major winter festivals will return in November and December, with MOTN Festival opening on November 28, 2026, and Liwa International Festival following on December 11.
The family-favourite outdoor festivals will bring more than a month of entertainment, live shows and cultural experiences to Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra.
*See all the winter festivals returning to Abu Dhabi*
MOTN Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will run until January 3, 2027, across Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra Region. Liwa International Festival 2027 will run until January 2 in the Liwa desert, bringing motorsport competitions, live entertainment, heritage experiences and family attractions to the region.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the two festivals offer different ways to experience the UAE’s winter season, from city-wide entertainment and new food concepts to desert sports and Emirati cultural traditions.
When and where are the festivals opening?
Themed ‘World of Wonder’, MOTN will begin at Al Mugheirah Bay in Al Dhafra and Al Jahili Park in Al Ain from November 28 to December 2. Its Abu Dhabi Corniche edition will open on December 9 and run until January 3, 2027.
The festival will introduce three themed zones at the Corniche, catering to different audiences. Melting Aurora is designed for younger visitors, while Beyond the Sky will offer a more immersive experience for teenagers and young adults. The Golden Hour will bring together families and friends through food concepts making their Abu Dhabi debut, live entertainment, shopping and social experiences.
Liwa International Festival 2027 will open on December 11 and continue until January 2, set against the backdrop of Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune at more than 300 metres.
What’s new at Liwa International Festival 2027?
More than half of the rides and attractions at Liwa Village, the festival’s entertainment and dining hub, will feature new or reimagined concepts. New additions 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 join the line-up.
International action sports brand Nitro Circus will make its festival debut on December 19 and 20, with three shows featuring more than 15 athletes performing freestyle motocross and BMX stunts, choreographed routines and pyrotechnic displays. Tickets are available through Platinumlist.
Motorsport remains a central part of the programme, with freestyle displays, motorbike drag racing, falcon racing, sand freestyle displays and drifting competitions scheduled throughout December. The Tal Moreeb Car Championship will bring the programme to a close from December 30 to January 2.
The festival will also host community sporting activities, including the Liwa Sign Climb Challenge on December 19, a cycling race on December 21, the Liwa Festival Community Run on December 23, a padel tournament on December 24 and 25, and a fitness tour on December 29.
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 the customs of the majlis and the preparation and serving of gahwa.
The wider festival experience will extend to heritage sites across Al Dhafra, including Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort, Al Yabana Fort, Khanour Fort and Mezairaa Fort.
How to plan your visit to MOTN and Liwa International Festival
MOTN Festival runs from November 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027, across its three regional locations, with the Abu Dhabi Corniche edition opening on December 9.
Liwa International Festival 2027 runs from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027. Visitors can find the full programme and visit information at liwainternationalfestival.ae.
Tickets for Liwa Village are available at liwavillage.ae, while Nitro Circus tickets can be booked through Platinumlist.