Liwa Village 2027 in Abu Dhabi

Liwa Village is a multi-week family festival held in the Liwa Desert, in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It runs for 23 days across the turn of the year and combines adventure, entertainment and Emirati heritage in one desert setting.

The programme centres on thrilling rides and family attractions, alongside cultural discoveries that introduce visitors to local traditions. The festival is classed as both a cultural and a family festival, so the mix is meant to work for different ages rather than for one audience alone.

Liwa is a remote desert region in the south of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, known for its large sand dunes on the edge of the Empty Quarter. The landscape is open and quiet, very different from the city, which is part of the appeal of holding a festival here. It is a drive from Dubai, roughly an hour and a half by car, so most visitors from Dubai treat it as a proper outing rather than a quick stop.

The format suits families, groups of friends and anyone curious about Emirati culture who wants to spend time outdoors in the desert. Because the festival lasts for more than three weeks, there is room to pick a day that fits your plans. Note that re-entry is not allowed: once you leave the grounds, you cannot go back in the same day.