As Emiratis watch fireworks from their camps in the Liwa desert, cars and bikes blaze across the desert, leaving behind jets of smoke— and occasionally— fire.

Participants from around the Gulf region have gathered in the Liwa desert, some 250 kilometres southwest of Abu Dhabi, for the seven-day Liwa 2015 Moreeb Dune Festival.

The Moreeb Dune, which means the 'Terrifying Mountain', is the festival's highlight. It earned its right to terror by virtue of being one of the world's highest sand dunes at a height of 300m. Bikers and racers compete with their most powerful four wheelers and vehicles to tackle the dune, which comes with the additional challenge of a 50° angle.

The festival attracts the United Arab Emirates' most adventurous vehicles: magnificent four wheel drives, dune buggies, off-road vehicles, and even classic cars.

With a variety of races (including falcon races, camel races, and horse races), plus a classic car competition and a special track for freestyle drifting, the festival is packed with thrills for the young and old alike.

By night, visitors and participants retreat to their campfires, waiting for the sky to light up with fireworks, or start preparing their vehicles for the next day's adventure.