Plan your desert drive to Al Dhafra Festival 2026‑27. Know the dates, stages and key routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, plus tips for fuel, rest stops and night driving.
Plan your desert drive to Al Dhafra Festival 2026‑27. Know the dates, stages and key routes from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, plus tips for fuel, rest stops and night driving.
Last updated: 19 October 2026
The 20th Al Dhafra Festival runs from 27 October 2026 to 13 January 2027 under the patronage of the UAE President. Five stages are scheduled:
Total prize money exceeds AED 97 million, with AED 92.6 million awarded for camel beauty contests.
The route from Dubai to Sweihan covers roughly 260 km. Start early to avoid peak traffic and the hot midday sun. Keep the vehicle’s fuel tank full; a single tank should cover the journey with a safety margin. The main highways are E311 and E10. Rest stops are available at Al Quoz, Al Gharbia, and Al Jaddaf, each offering basic services and a chance to stretch legs.
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Madinat Zayed is the third stage, running 3 to 10 Dec 2026. The drive from Abu Dhabi to Madinat Zayed is about 220 km. Plan to refuel at the next service station after Al Ain, then again at the station near Al Dhafra. Night driving is common; ensure headlights are clean and the car’s cooling system is in good condition. If you plan a night drive, carry a spare tyre and a first‑aid kit. Check the latest weather forecast on the RTA website before departure.
Liwa offers complementary camel shows and dune activities. After completing the Madinat Zayed stage, you can head west to Liwa for an evening of stargazing and sandboarding. The route from Madinat Zayed to Liwa is approximately 180 km and can be covered in about 2 hours. Keep an eye on the sand levels; the E10 can become narrow during sandstorms.
Before heading out, perform a basic maintenance check. Replace worn tyres, inspect the brake system, and ensure the coolant level is adequate. For a full list of recommended services, visit MotorCar car maintenance guide.
Q1: Do I need a special permit to drive in the desert? A1: No, a standard UAE driving licence is sufficient for the highways and desert roads covered by the festival routes.
Q2: Are there any tolls on the route to Al Dhafra? A2: The main highways are toll‑free, but check the RTA website for any temporary tolls during the festival period.
Q3: Can I join the festival stages from outside the UAE? A3: The festival is open to visitors, but entry is organised by the official festival channels. Check the Abu Dhabi Media Office announcements for details.
Sources: Abu Dhabi Media Office. Details can change, so check the official channel before you travel.
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