LIWA VILLAGE, a perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip and a unique celebration of Emirati culture, art, music, and adventure, has unveiled its first set of partners, artists, and activations coming to its desert festival this December. Featuring a plethora of retail and F&B brands, and a diverse lineup of artists, alongside the captivating LIWA Festival, LIWA VILLAGE will be where the excitement unfolds with so many surprises to explore in this wonderful desert. Hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi), LIWA VILLAGE is set to be the epicentre of celebrations this December, inviting people to discover, experience, and connect.
Powered by du and in association with Wio Bank and accelerated with EXEED, the upcoming LIWA VILLAGE will span seven main zones: SOUK, OASIS, VALLEY, PAVILION, CARNIVAL, DIGITAL STATION BY PUBG, and MAIN STAGE, all perfectly designed to deliver an unforgettable family-friendly experience. A total of 16 partners has just been announced, comprising retail and F&B brands ready to transform the desert and match the ambience of this festival, along with plenty of popular influencers and celebrities. Another set of names and partners is set to be revealed soon.
At the OASIS, where the desert’s charm merges with modern elegance, the F&B partners will include The Uncommon, a new brand launched last year with a unique pop-up dining concept, and BB Social Dining, offering mouthwatering bites from a set of creative chefs. For lovers of juicy burgers, the iconic SLAW will be present, grilling plenty of specials such as the Blue Ocean burger, along with its sister brand SEEKH to make juicy shawarmas with a creative twist. A set of smoky flavours also awaits from Mattar Third Culture Barbecue, a brand that serves smoked brisket and chicken, along with other tasty meats.
For the ultimate retail experience, the OASIS will also feature ELEVENISH, a hotspot of creativity displaying works from emerging designers in the world of luxury fashion and beauty. The brand includes plenty of clothing options, perfumes, and an elegant set of accessories. Guests can further explore the essence of Emirati traditions with Odela & Co, a local brand offering body skincare products made with 100% natural ingredients and oils and Feathers, an Emirati luxury goods brand that combines cutting edge methods of execution with the highest quality raw materials including camel leather.
On the other side of LIWA Village, there is the SOUK, a traditional Emirati marketplace with breathtaking views from its rooftop. Coming to elevate the dining experience is Kabab Zaman Awal and Harees Al Fareej bringing an array of Arabic flavours, while LET’S and will help to explore the festival’s culinary wonders with its guide on eating, drinking, and brunching. A takeover by Erth will be the focal point of SOUK serving a range of culinary delights to suit every moment and palate with plenty of Emirati meals and Arabic-inspired patisserie.
SOUK will also have a host of a myriad of retail partners offering traditional and creative goods, including Dukkan, a unique concept in the region that serves all types of small and medium businesses, and MQ PERFUMES, featuring an array of fragrant concoctions. There are also a variety of street style and fashion brands that top off the retail experience, including ATYAMOS, which sells bags with intricate embroidery, and OFFEND, a brand offering a variety of apparel and accessories.
At the VALLEY, where the sustainable elements blend with the beauty of December’s moonlit sky and mystical enchantment, the tempting SALT will descend on the venue. Known for its unique way of blending simplicity and creativity, SALT prepares juicy burgers and moreish ice creams that truly tantalise the taste buds.
At the festival’s spacious amusement park, the CARNIVAL, guests can experience the thrills and spills of LIWA VILLAGE with a wide array of skill games, including Pyramid Smash, Rebound, Blockbuster, Lobster Pot, Spin a Wheel, and Hook a Bag. Numerous activations will be also available, bringing a slice of exhilaration with an amusing 5D Cinema, captivating Playneo, and two electrifying Racing Simulators.
The MAIN STAGE will also get its share of splendour, bringing a set of talented local artists to elevate the melodic scene with their unique Arabic style. The revelry will start on December 9th with the popular ‘Shailat’ genre, performed by the Saudi Bandar Bin Oweer and Ghareeb Al Mokhles. The following weekend on December 16th will feature Abdulla Al Rouished and Ali Bin Mohammed, two artists coming to ignite the stage with their serenading vocals.
For those awaiting more traditional Arabic art, Saturday, December 23rd will be brimming with Saudi tunes, as the musician Abadi Al Johar and the singer Mutref Al Mutref will light up the stage and enchant the audience. Moving to December 31st, LIWA VILLAGE’s last day will fall on New Year’s Eve, and the celebrations will be topped off with a spectacular set of Saudi, Emirati, and Lebanese melodies, performed by Khaled Abdulrahman, Eida Al Menhali, and Diana Haddad.
Taking place between December 8th and 31st, the return of LIWA VILLAGE will bring all last year’s thrills and add more, offering 24 days of non-stop celebrations in a family-friendly yet exciting ambience. Mark your calendar for December and get ready to rediscover the wonders of Emirati heritage and culture beyond the dunes in this unique melting pot of experiences, this is for sure a winter must.
