The Liwa International Festival 2025, the region’s premier winter destination for adrenaline-pumping action and cultural celebration, concluded yesterday, leaving behind unforgettable memories and awe-inspiring performances. Over 23 action-packed days, from December 13 to January 4, Tel Moreeb’s golden dunes hosted a diverse mix of high-octane motorsports and heritage festivities that drew massive crowds and global attention.
A Festival of Fierce Competitions
This year’s festival was marked by intense dune-climbing challenges, featuring top-tier racers from across the region and beyond. The thrilling competitions culminated in a display of raw power, precision, and determination as participants raced against the clock to secure podium finishes.
The event witnessed standout performances across multiple categories, with nail-biting finishes in every class. Here’s a snapshot of the final results:
Turbo 8-Cylinder Category
- 1st: Youssef Mohammed Al Ali (UAE) – 6.915 seconds
- 2nd: Meshari Mohammed Al Khalidi (KSA) – 6.946 seconds
- 3rd: Hassan Mohammed Boushanib (Oman) – 7.520 seconds
Gas 6-Cylinder Category
- 1st: Abdullah Ismail Mohammed (Syria) – 6.522 seconds
- 2nd: Muzahim Mohammed Al Kaabi (UAE) – 7.070 seconds
- 3rd: Faisal Hassan Al Balushi (UAE) – 7.194 seconds
Open Class
- 1st: Jassim Mohammed Al Ali (UAE) – 6.843 seconds
- 2nd: Mohammed Amin Ismail (Syria) – 7.019 seconds
- 3rd: Hamad Mohammed Al Ahbabi (UAE) – 7.218 seconds
Hilux Category
- 1st: Mehdi Mohammed Al Saloom (KSA) – 5.243 seconds
- 2nd: Khalif Abdulrahman Al Khalif (KSA) – 6.275 seconds
- 3rd: Mohammed Saeed Al Hamdan (KSA) – 6.443 seconds
Stock Category
- 1st: Essa Abdullah Musharrek (UAE) – 7.638 seconds
- 2nd: Khalid Abdullah Rashid (UAE) – 7.953 seconds
- 3rd: Hashem Adel Al Masaed (KSA) – 7.998 seconds
Electric Cars Category
- 1st: Ahmed Khalfan Al Mansoori (UAE)
- 2nd: Rashid Abdullah Al Ketbi (UAE)
- 3rd: Hilal Al Khatri (UAE)
Hybrid Cars Category
- 1st: Hamad bin Musa Al Balushi (UAE)
- 2nd: Awadh Khalifa Al Hamli (UAE)
- 3rd: Ahmed Hiyyi Al Hamli (UAE)
Particularly notable was the Saud Al Tel category, which showcased electrifying performances and drew immense enthusiasm from spectators.
Celebrating Sports, Culture, and Heritage
The festival’s conclusion was marked by an awards ceremony attended by esteemed officials, including Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Chairman of the Liwa Sports Club. Reflecting on the event, Al Qubaisi said, “The Liwa International Festival 2025 showcased unparalleled passion, determination, and competitive spirit among participants. The Saud Al Tel category was especially thrilling, with participants pushing their limits and delivering extraordinary performances. This year’s success underscores the festival’s role in promoting motorsports while celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.”
He also expressed gratitude to the event’s partners and sponsors for their unwavering support, adding that the festival remains a beacon for blending tradition with modernity.
A Regional Icon
More than just a sporting spectacle, the Liwa International Festival has cemented its reputation as a unique platform where heritage and contemporary sports collide. From dune-climbing races to traditional Emirati festivities, the event continues to be a cornerstone of the region’s winter calendar, attracting participants and spectators from across the globe.
With this year’s resounding success, all eyes are already on the 2026 edition of the festival, which promises to raise the bar even higher for motorsports and cultural celebrations alike.