UAE Car Events Calendar 2025–2026: Auto Enthusiasts
The UAE is more than just a place to own luxury cars, it’s where automotive passion turns into full-scale celebrations. From roaring dunes and endurance racing to elegant concours shows and laid-back community gatherings, the 2025–2026 car events calendar proves why the Emirates sit at the heart of global motoring culture.
Whether you’re a performance junkie, a classic car admirer, or someone who simply loves the atmosphere of automotive festivals, these upcoming events promise something unforgettable. Here’s your complete guide to the most anticipated car and motorsport events across Dubai and the UAE, curated for true enthusiasts by Drive UAE.
Liwa International Festival
Date: 12 December 2025 – 3 January 2026
Venue: Liwa, Al Dhafra Region
Few events capture the soul of Emirati motoring like the Liwa International Festival. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Tal Moreeb, one of the world’s tallest sand dunes, this month-long festival blends raw desert motorsport with deep cultural roots.
The motorsport action is intense. Expect crowd-favourite competitions such as the Tal Moreeb Hill Climb, Freestyle Drift shows, and thunderous Burnout Challenges that push both machines and drivers to their limits. The desert air vibrates with power, skill, and adrenaline.
Beyond motorsport, Liwa Village offers traditional markets, family rides, heritage activities, and authentic Emirati experiences. Hot air balloon rides at sunrise, camel races, falconry displays, and nightly fireworks create an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and welcoming.
With over 600,000 visitors each year, the Liwa International Festival is not just an event, it’s a celebration of UAE identity, desert heritage, and high-octane passion.
Michelin Dubai 24 Hours
Date: 16–18 January 2026
Venue: Dubai Autodrome
The Michelin Dubai 24 Hours is endurance racing at its most demanding. Held at the iconic Dubai Autodrome, this legendary race tests speed, strategy, and stamina over a full 24 hours of continuous competition.
As the opening round of the 24H Series Middle East Trophy, the event attracts top international teams competing in GT3, GT4, and TCE categories. Professional drivers share the grid with skilled amateurs, creating unpredictable battles from sunset to sunrise.
The Autodrome’s 5.39 km technical circuit challenges tyre management, mechanical reliability, and driver focus, especially during night racing. Massive GT grids, factory-supported teams, and global champions make this one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the region.
For spectators, it’s a non-stop motorsport spectacle that reinforces Dubai’s standing as a world-class racing destination.
The Grand Picnic by Flat12
Date: To Be Announced
Venue: To Be Announced
The Grand Picnic offers a refreshing contrast to loud, high-speed car meets. Curated by Flat12, this event celebrates automotive design in a refined, relaxed, and family-friendly environment.
From rare vintage classics and elegant European icons to modern hypercars and off-road legends, the selection is always exceptional. Cars like the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, McLaren Speedtail, and Porsche 911 share space with classic Cadillacs, Land Cruisers, and JDM legends.
A strict no-revving policy and vintage dress code create a calm, nostalgic vibe. Guests enjoy gourmet food from top Dubai eateries, live music, and creative kids’ zones—making it one of the most inclusive car events in the city.
Free entry and scenic venues make The Grand Picnic a must-attend for enthusiasts who appreciate style, heritage, and community over noise.
Concorso Italiano UAE
Date: 8 February 2026
Venue: Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa
If Italian motoring is your passion, Concorso Italiano UAE is pure automotive poetry. This elegant event honours legendary Italian marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia.
Set at the luxurious Dubai Marine Beach Resort, the concours transforms the venue into a showcase of timeless design and engineering excellence. Expert judges evaluate vehicles based on originality, restoration quality, and overall presentation.
Beyond the cars, guests enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, live music, and Amalfi-inspired beverages. Sponsored by RM Sotheby’s, the event blends fine dining, culture, and automotive craftsmanship into a truly premium experience.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, Concorso Italiano UAE is where art, passion, and precision meet.
Gulf News Fun Drive
Date: To Be Announced
Venue: To Be Announced
The Gulf News Fun Drive is one of the UAE’s longest-running automotive traditions. Since 1986, it has brought families and off-road enthusiasts together for a shared desert adventure.
This non-competitive event focuses on enjoyment and safety, guiding participants through a 145 km desert route across rolling dunes. Trained marshals ensure a smooth experience, making it accessible even for newcomers to off-roading.
Participants enjoy meals, camping, entertainment, and goody bags during an overnight desert stay. Each year introduces a new route and fresh challenges while preserving the event’s core values of camaraderie and adventure.
For many UAE residents, the Fun Drive is an annual ritual, a reminder that motoring is as much about connection as it is about capability.
Offset DXB
Date: To Be Announced
Venue: To Be Announced
Offset DXB represents the bold, creative side of Dubai’s car scene. Organised by CarCulture.ae, this event showcases over 100 carefully curated builds, ranging from JDM icons and classic muscle cars to high-end supercars and luxury customs.
What sets Offset DXB apart is its fusion of automotive culture with street art and urban performance. Live graffiti murals, freestyle BMX, skateboarding displays, and DJ battles turn the event into a multi-sensory experience.
Hosted at Jewel of the Creek, the upscale venue adds a unique contrast to the gritty street vibe. An awards ceremony celebrates standout builds, while accessible ticket pricing keeps the event inclusive.
Offset DXB perfectly reflects Dubai’s ability to merge underground creativity with global-level production.
Why UAE Car Events Matter More Than Ever
The UAE’s automotive calendar isn’t just about cars, it’s about culture, community, and innovation. These events bring together collectors, racers, families, and enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing everything from heritage to future mobility.
For visitors and residents alike, attending these events is also a chance to experience the Emirates beyond the showroom, whether that means desert adventures, luxury hospitality, or cutting-edge motorsport.
At Drive UAE, we celebrate this passion every day by making world-class cars accessible for unforgettable experiences across Dubai and beyond.
Final Thoughts
From the roaring dunes of Liwa to the refined elegance of Concorso Italiano, the 2025–2026 UAE car events calendar offers something for every kind of automotive enthusiast. Whether your heart beats for endurance racing, classic design, desert adventure, or creative car culture, the UAE promises an unforgettable year ahead.
Stay tuned to Drive UAE for more updates, insider guides, and the latest happenings across the Emirates’ automotive scene.