Drone Shows, Desert Camping and Motorsports: UAE’s Liwa Festival Lights Up 300-Metre Sand Dune

The opening of the Liwa International Festival in Al Dhafra has officially marked the start of the UAE’s winter desert season, transforming the vast sands of Liwa into a spectacular stage of light, culture and adventure. From illuminated dunes and drone shows to desert camps and roaring motorsports, the festival’s opening night celebrated the region’s unique landscape and traditions.

The journey to Liwa itself is part of the experience. The nearly three-hour drive from Al Ain gradually leaves the city behind, replacing roads and buildings with endless horizons and the quiet expanse of the Al Dhafra desert. By the time visitors arrive, the setting alone creates a sense of anticipation, defined by scale, remoteness and natural beauty.

As crowds gathered around Tal Moreeb, one of the UAE’s tallest sand dunes at around 300 metres high, the atmosphere quickly turned electric. Before nightfall, military aircraft performed aerial displays above Liwa, executing precise manoeuvres that drew eyes skyward and set the tone for the evening’s celebrations.

When darkness fell, Tal Moreeb itself became part of the show. Projection mapping illuminated the dune’s slopes, turning the sand into a moving canvas that followed its natural contours. The immersive display traced Liwa’s story from its roots in traditional desert life to its evolution into a major winter destination for families, campers, adventure seekers and heritage enthusiasts.

Above the dunes, hundreds of drones took flight, forming dynamic patterns and symbols in the night sky during a 16-minute choreographed display. Fireworks followed, lighting up the desert backdrop and drawing cheers from spectators seated across the sand, many surrounded by seasonal desert camps pitched for the winter months.

Beyond the main show, festivities extended into Liwa Village, where families explored entertainment zones, creative workshops and live performances. Visitors also enjoyed a classic car museum and a wide variety of dining options, blending Emirati favourites with international cuisine and adding to the festival’s vibrant community atmosphere.

As the night continued, motorsports took centre stage at a dedicated drifting arena. Car enthusiasts gathered late into the evening, engines echoing across the desert in a scene that reflected Liwa’s long-standing connection to car culture and adventure. It was a fitting close to an opening night defined by light, movement and the enduring pull of the dunes.