Liwa International Festival 2027 Returns to Al Dhafra Region with New Experiences, Global Entertainment and More to Discover

• Nitro Circus, a global action sports entertainment brand, makes its festival debut
• More than half of Liwa Village rides and attractions are new or reimagined
• A first-ever Heritage Village showcases Emirati culture

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Liwa International Festival 2027 (Liwa 2027), Al Dhafra Region's flagship winter celebration, will return from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 amid the dunes of Liwa desert. The 2027 edition brings a reimagined Liwa Village, a new international entertainment show, motorsport championships, heritage experiences and family activities that have made it a longstanding highlight of the United Arab Emirate's winter calendar.

Liwa International Festival 2027, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and Al Dhafra Hospitals - Seha.

Set against the backdrop of Tal Moreeb, the UAE's tallest dune at more than 300 metres in height, the festival has grown since its founding in 2001 into an award-winning event that brings together Emirati heritage, sport, entertainment and family-friendly fun. Last year, the festival welcomed more than 700,000 visitors across 23 days and was named 'Best Festival of the Year' at the Middle East Events Awards 2026.

New attractions and experiences at Liwa Village

At the heart of the festival lies Liwa Village, a lively hub of entertainment, dining, and family fun, with more than half of its rides and attractions featuring new or reimagined concepts this year.

New experiences include the Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower, alongside new challenges including Play Strike, Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run and Desert Heist, Drift Trike, Target Shooting and Climb Quest.

Visitors can also take on the new Bungee Jumping, adding another adrenaline-fuelled experience to the festival. Returning favourites include the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, Slingshot, Booster, Classic Cars, Go Water Kart, Mini Tank Paint Ball, House of Horror, Maze Adventure and 4x4 Track.

International entertainment takes centre stage

Nitro Circus will make its festival debut on 19 and 20 December, with three fast-paced shows, featuring more than 15 athletes performing stunts across freestyle motocross (FMX), bicycle motocross (BMX), choreographed performances and pyrotechnics. Tickets are now available for purchase on Platinumlist.

Motorsport thrills galore

Organised by Liwa Sports Club, the festival will feature a packed programme of motorsport and desert sports. Highlights include Freestyle Display (11-12, 21-22 December), Motorbike Drag Race (13 December), Falcon Race (14-16 December), Sand Freestyle Display (18-19, 27-28 December), Liwa UTV Track (20 December), Traditional Pigeon Race (22-23 December), Liwa Burnout Challenge (24 December) and Liwa Drift (25-26 December).

The programme will build towards the Tal Moreeb Car Championship finale, which will take place from 30 December - 2 January, bringing the festival into the New Year.

Visitors can also take part in a series of sporting and fitness activities including the Liwa Sign Climb Challenge (19 December), a cycling race (21 December), the Liwa Festival Community Run (23 December), a padel tournament (24–25 December) and a fitness tour (29 December).

Celebrating Emirati heritage

Alongside its new attractions and sporting experiences, Liwa International Festival 2027 continues to celebrate Emirati heritage and traditions.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Heritage Village is inspired by a traditional Emirati neighbourhood (Al Fareej). Its programme brings together demonstrations and activities that introduce families and younger generations to aspects of life in the past through learning, observation and hands-on participation.

The House of Poetry and Poets celebrates the place of poetry in Emirati heritage through sessions introducing visitors to Nabati poetry, its role in social life, and its expression of the community's values, experiences and traditions.

At the Falconry Tent, visitors can discover the Emirati tradition of falconry through live falcon displays and demonstrations explaining how falcons are raised, trained and cared for, as well as the tools used in the practice. Young visitors can also take part in workshops to make model falcon hoods.

The programme also includes a traditional games and heritage experiences area, with interactive activities suitable for different ages. These include traditional games such as Teelah and Karabi, tug of war, camel riding, a palm-climbing simulation, and workshops in making palm-leaf products (khoos) and weaving.

The Heritage Village also introduces visitors to Emirati social etiquette through the Emirati Majlis, with practical explanations of majlis etiquette, including entering, greeting, seating, welcoming guests and honouring them. This highlights the majlis's role in social life and in passing values and customs between generations.

The experience is complemented by a live workshop on preparing and serving Emirati Gahwa, introducing visitors to the tools used and the etiquette involved, while highlighting the traditions and values of Emirati hospitality.

The festival experience will also extend beyond the main festival site, with activations at several forts and heritage attractions across Al Dhafra Region, connecting visitors with the area's history, culture and landscapes.

These include the Liwa Sign landmark, retail and dining at Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort and Al Yabana Fort, a heritage experience at Khanour Fort featuring traditional Emirati crafts, and a cultural experience at Mezairaa Fort inspired by the stories and heritage of Liwa.

Plan your visit

Ready to experience Liwa International Festival 2027? Plan your visit, explore the full festival programme and find more on liwainternationalfestival.ae.

The festival's first official app will also be launched, allowing visitors to explore the event calendar, stay up to date with the latest announcements, select and book camping spots and RV parking spaces, and explore commercial participation opportunities at the festival.

Book your tickets:

For Liwa Village tickets, visit liwavillage.ae

For Nitro Circus tickets, visit platinumlist.ae

Follow @liwafest for the latest festival updates.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. 

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Liwa International Festival 2027 (Liwa 2027), Al Dhafra Region's flagship winter celebration, will return from 11 December 2026 to 2 January 2027 amid the dunes of Liwa desert. The 2027 edition brings a reimagined Liwa Village, a new international entertainment show, motorsport championships, heritage experiences and family activities that have made it a longstanding highlight of the United Arab Emirate's winter calendar.

Liwa International Festival 2027, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with Liwa Sports Club, Al Dhafra Municipality, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Network, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and Al Dhafra Hospitals - Seha.

Set against the backdrop of Tal Moreeb, the UAE's tallest dune at more than 300 metres in height, the festival has grown since its founding in 2001 into an award-winning event that brings together Emirati heritage, sport, entertainment and family-friendly fun. Last year, the festival welcomed more than 700,000 visitors across 23 days and was named 'Best Festival of the Year' at the Middle East Events Awards 2026.

New attractions and experiences at Liwa Village

At the heart of the festival lies Liwa Village, a lively hub of entertainment, dining, and family fun, with more than half of its rides and attractions featuring new or reimagined concepts this year.

New experiences include the Circus Swinger, Tagada and Space Tower, alongside new challenges including Play Strike, Ninja Challenge, Pixel Run and Desert Heist, Drift Trike, Target Shooting and Climb Quest.

Visitors can also take on the new Bungee Jumping, adding another adrenaline-fuelled experience to the festival. Returning favourites include the Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, Slingshot, Booster, Classic Cars, Go Water Kart, Mini Tank Paint Ball, House of Horror, Maze Adventure and 4x4 Track.

International entertainment takes centre stage

Nitro Circus will make its festival debut on 19 and 20 December, with three fast-paced shows, featuring more than 15 athletes performing stunts across freestyle motocross (FMX), bicycle motocross (BMX), choreographed performances and pyrotechnics. Tickets are now available for purchase on Platinumlist.

Motorsport thrills galore

Organised by Liwa Sports Club, the festival will feature a packed programme of motorsport and desert sports. Highlights include Freestyle Display (11-12, 21-22 December), Motorbike Drag Race (13 December), Falcon Race (14-16 December), Sand Freestyle Display (18-19, 27-28 December), Liwa UTV Track (20 December), Traditional Pigeon Race (22-23 December), Liwa Burnout Challenge (24 December) and Liwa Drift (25-26 December).

The programme will build towards the Tal Moreeb Car Championship finale, which will take place from 30 December - 2 January, bringing the festival into the New Year.

Visitors can also take part in a series of sporting and fitness activities including the Liwa Sign Climb Challenge (19 December), a cycling race (21 December), the Liwa Festival Community Run (23 December), a padel tournament (24–25 December) and a fitness tour (29 December).

Celebrating Emirati heritage

Alongside its new attractions and sporting experiences, Liwa International Festival 2027 continues to celebrate Emirati heritage and traditions.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Heritage Village is inspired by a traditional Emirati neighbourhood (Al Fareej). Its programme brings together demonstrations and activities that introduce families and younger generations to aspects of life in the past through learning, observation and hands-on participation.

The House of Poetry and Poets celebrates the place of poetry in Emirati heritage through sessions introducing visitors to Nabati poetry, its role in social life, and its expression of the community's values, experiences and traditions.

At the Falconry Tent, visitors can discover the Emirati tradition of falconry through live falcon displays and demonstrations explaining how falcons are raised, trained and cared for, as well as the tools used in the practice. Young visitors can also take part in workshops to make model falcon hoods.

The programme also includes a traditional games and heritage experiences area, with interactive activities suitable for different ages. These include traditional games such as Teelah and Karabi, tug of war, camel riding, a palm-climbing simulation, and workshops in making palm-leaf products (khoos) and weaving.

The Heritage Village also introduces visitors to Emirati social etiquette through the Emirati Majlis, with practical explanations of majlis etiquette, including entering, greeting, seating, welcoming guests and honouring them. This highlights the majlis's role in social life and in passing values and customs between generations.

The experience is complemented by a live workshop on preparing and serving Emirati Gahwa, introducing visitors to the tools used and the etiquette involved, while highlighting the traditions and values of Emirati hospitality.

The festival experience will also extend beyond the main festival site, with activations at several forts and heritage attractions across Al Dhafra Region, connecting visitors with the area's history, culture and landscapes.

These include the Liwa Sign landmark, retail and dining at Dhafeer Fort, Al Meel Fort and Al Yabana Fort, a heritage experience at Khanour Fort featuring traditional Emirati crafts, and a cultural experience at Mezairaa Fort inspired by the stories and heritage of Liwa.

Plan your visit

Ready to experience Liwa International Festival 2027? Plan your visit, explore the full festival programme and find more on liwainternationalfestival.ae.

The festival's first official app will also be launched, allowing visitors to explore the event calendar, stay up to date with the latest announcements, select and book camping spots and RV parking spaces, and explore commercial participation opportunities at the festival.

Book your tickets:

For Liwa Village tickets, visit liwavillage.ae

For Nitro Circus tickets, visit platinumlist.ae

Follow @liwafest for the latest festival updates.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi's culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi's wider global ambitions. 

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate's position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate's potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi's vision is defined by the emirate's people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi's status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Liwa International Festival 2027 Returns to Al Dhafra Region with New Experiences, Global Entertainment and More to Discover

Liwa International Festival 2027 Returns to Al Dhafra Region with New Experiences, Global Entertainment and More to Discover

Liwa International Festival 2027 Returns to Al Dhafra Region with New Experiences, Global Entertainment and More to Discover

As part of TECNO and artist Angélica Dass's global "100 Portraits of Becoming" project, the new BBC StoryWorks film reveals the personal journeys behind the portraits, bringing to life a shared vision of seeing beyond the image to understand the people behind it.

HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global innovative technology brand TECNO has jointly produced and released a new film with  BBC StoryWorks to unveil the project of "100 Portraits of Becoming," a two-year global portrait project co-created by TECNO and internationally acclaimed visual artist Angélica Dass which started from Kenya as the first chapter. Building on TECNO's philosophy of inclusive imaging technology and Angélica Dass's distinctive approach to portraiture, the project plans to bring together 100 portraits and personal stories across five countries, moving beyond visual representation to explore the individuality and humanity behind each portrait. Through the personal journeys featured in the film, audiences gain a glimpse into the energy and aspirations of people navigating today's changing world — how they are finding their own paths, shaping new possibilities and imagining who they want to become.

Watch the full film

The film also explores the shared vision behind TECNO's collaboration with Dass. While TECNO's Universal Tone technology seeks to fairly represent the beauty of different skin tones and human diversity, Dass's work has long challenged the labels and assumptions through which we see others. Together, they bring a shared belief to "100 Portraits of Becoming": that being seen is about more than appearance — it is also about being understood for who we are.

Through the film, this idea comes to life in Kenya, where the first chapter of "100 Portraits of Becoming" began. It introduces some of the people behind the portraits, each with a different story of finding their own way forward. For agripreneur Alex Mutua Muli, opportunity wasn't something to seek elsewhere, but something to create at home. By connecting local farmers to wider markets, he is helping build a future in the community where he grew up. Alexander Odhiambo took a different path, turning an uncertain start to his career into a new beginning. From a small apartment in Nairobi, he co-founded a software company that has since grown to serve markets across Africa, opening doors for others along the way. And for Jelimo Cheboi, what began as a small WhatsApp group became something much bigger. As co-founder of GirlSkate Nairobi, she has helped turn a shared passion for skateboarding into a growing community where girls and women can challenge expectations, find belonging, and express themselves on their own terms.

Their stories are different, but each challenges an assumption about what is possible — whether it is where opportunity can be found, what a career can become, or who gets to belong. Together, they offer a glimpse of the people behind the portraits, whose lives cannot be summed up by a single image or label.

"The beauty of this project was the chance to look beyond an image and let people tell their own stories. Through their passions and experiences, every person we met brought a vibrancy and depth to the film that a single portrait may not fully capture. We hope the film will encourage audiences to see people with a little more curiosity and a little more understanding," said Tom Deakin, Director, Content Strategy at BBC StoryWorks APAC.

"100 Portraits of Becoming" is a two-year global project bringing together 100 portraits and personal stories across Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil. Together, these portraits and stories will form a growing collection that celebrates the many different ways of being human — 100 people, 100 stories and 100 ways to see humanity. Following its first chapter in Kenya, the project will continue its journey to more countries around the world, uncovering new stories, experiences and perspectives on what it means to become. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and the latest updates from "100 Portraits of Becoming" on the BBC StoryWorks project page and "100 Portraits of Becoming" by TECNO and Angelica Dass official website.

About TECNO

As a global innovative technology brand with operations in over 70 markets, TECNO has been committed to revolutionizing the digital experience in global emerging markets, relentlessly pushing for the perfect integration of contemporary, aesthetic design with the latest technologies and AI. TECNO offers a wide range of smartphones, smart wearables, laptops and tablets, smart gaming, HiOS operating systems and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of "Stop At Nothing," TECNO is committed to unlocking the newest technologies and AI-powered new experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures. For more information, please visit TECNO's official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.

About "100 Portraits of Becoming" by TECNO and Angélica Dass

"100 Portraits of Becoming" is a global portrait project created by TECNO together with internationally recognized artist Angélica Dass. Over two years, it will produce one hundred portraits across five countries — Kenya, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Brazil — pairing Dass's portrait methodology with TECNO's Universal Tone inclusive imaging technology. Each portrait moves beyond a face to the person behind it: to lives unfolding across different cultures, generations and moments of social change. One hundred portraits become one hundred ways of seeing humanity — and one growing archive of who we are, told by the people living it. To learn more, please visit: https://www.tecno-mobile.com/100portraitsofbecoming/.

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

TECNO and BBC StoryWorks Unveil New Film Exploring the Human Stories Behind "100 Portraits of Becoming"