Fast & Furious stars gear up for FuelFest Arabia at Liwa Village in Abu Dhabi

Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson are among the guests performing at the family-friendly event in the desert

Liwa Festival has opened in Liwa Village in the Abu Dhabi desert. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The event celebrates Emirati culture with art, concerts, shopping, cultural workshops, a night market and more

The family-friendly experience is ongoing until January 8

Liwa Village is made up of six zones

The main stage will host a number of performances

There’s an expansive majlis seating at the main stage where live shows will take place

The Souq in Liwa Village

The Souq area is rooted in heritage and tradition and includes a night market, where things such as spices and oud are sold

Live cooking sessions will also be held at The Souq

The Pavilion is an area to relax, rest and reconnect

The Pavilion

Arabic coffee at the festival

Gaze, the immersive dining venue at The Souq

The immersive dining experience

The oasis

The pirate play area

The e-gaming area

A vistor plays Liwa Treasure Hunt in the e-gaming area

Musicians play the hand pan at Liwa Village

There’s plenty happening in Liwa Village, which is hosting a two-week family-friendly festival in the desert

The event, which began on Friday and runs until December 31, celebrates Emirati culture with art, concerts, shopping, cultural workshops, a night market and more.

One major highlight is FuelFest Arabia, the Middle East debut of the car and music festival founded by Cody Walker, brother of late Fast & Furious star Paul Walker.

To be held on Saturday and Sunday, the event will feature guest appearances by US rapper and Fast & Furious stars Ludacris and Tyrese Gibson, as well as a range of modified, performance-built and rare cars and trucks from around the world.

Fans and enthusiasts will also be treated to live drifting and drag racing, as well as an exclusive concert by Ludacris on Sunday, who will perform his large repertoire of hits, such as Get Back, Southern Hospitality and Move. Entry to the Ludacris show is charged separately, with prices starting at Dh150.

Liwa Village is made up of six zones, each with a range of different things to do.

There's the Souq, an area rooted in heritage and tradition that houses a night market, where things such as spices and oud are sold. Visitors can also experience customary practices such as Henna art, khoos basket-weaving, live cooking sessions and more.

The Oasis, meanwhile, is a spot offering tranquility and relaxation.

The space is decorated in calming tones of white mixed with greenery. Things to do include terrarium-making, jewellery-designing, terracotta pot-painting and tea excursions.

In the centre of Liwa Village is the Pavilion, an area to relax, and reconnect, while Graze is the immersive dining space in the Souq that appeals to all the senses.

It features regional and international restaurants and a dining environment that uses digital technology under the stars for a spectacular meal.

The main stage is hosting marquee moments throughout the event and there’s an expansive majlis seating area where live performances will take place. On the schedule are regional artists including Abdullah Ruwaished, Khaled Al Mulla, Hamad Al Ameri, Abadi Al Johar and more.

Finally, don’t be fooled by the Playzone. Despite its name the area is open to everyone — children, teenagers and adults. It features a dedicated e-gaming area with arcade machines, as well as sweet treats for all to enjoy.

Until December 31; from Dh15; more information is at liwafestival.com