ABU DHABI: The Liwa International Festival 2025 is set to commence tomorrow, marking Abu Dhabi’s premier winter event with its opening feature, the Free Style Car Show. The festival, held at the Moreeb Dune arena, operates under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.

According to Emirates News Agency, the festival is organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Liwa Sports Club. Spanning 23 days, the festival promises an array of entertainment and cultural experiences that emphasize skill, challenge, and excitement. The Free Style Car Show will take place from 6:00 pm to midnight over two days, featuring more than 130 cars in various categories. Participants will demonstrate their abilities through signature maneuvers like ‘Al-Okda,’ ‘Al-Khaba,’ and controlled drifts.

Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Chairman of the Liwa Sports Club, remarked that the Free Style Show serves as the ideal start to the festival,
spotlighting Moreeb Dune as a distinctive sports and tourism attraction that draws crowds from around the globe each year. He highlighted the aim of the festival to position Al Dhafra as a comprehensive tourism and sports destination, blending adventure sports with cultural activities. The festival’s climax, the Moreeb Dune Climb, is a significant draw for participants and visitors alike.

Al Qubaisi acknowledged the vital support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that the UAE leadership’s backing has elevated the festival to a platform that enhances the nation’s status as a global center for cultural and tourism events. The festival, which runs from December 13, 2024, to January 4, 2025, features a wide range of sports competitions, including the Moreeb Dune Climb, car and bike races, alongside traditional activities such as camel racing and falconry.