Hatta: Brand Dubai has announced the successful conclusion of the #HattaWinter initiative, an event that attracted over 2 million visitors over more than a month. The initiative featured a series of festivals in collaboration with key partners, offering a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and community activities. Hatta Winter enhanced Hatta’s reputation as a must-visit destination, celebrated for its natural beauty and rich heritage.
According to Emirates News Agency, Hatta Winter was a collaborative effort involving key government partners such as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Various semi-government and private entities also contributed to the initiative.
She explained that the exceptional turnout across the festival’s activities demonstrates Hatta Winter’s effectiveness in showcasing the area’s unique natural environment, cultural heritage, and rich history. This strong response underscores the importance of building on this momentum in future seasons by developing experiences that match the high levels of interest and engagement shown by residents and visitors alike.
Al Suwaidi also praised the collaboration with Hatta Winter’s partners, emphasizing their significant contribution to the festival’s success and promoting Hatta as a destination distinguished by its natural diversity, cultural legacy, and historical landmarks.
Amina Taher, a member of the Hatta Festival Organising Committee, said the success of this year’s edition of the event reflected months of coordination among teams and partners to deliver a safe and integrated experience for visitors from within the UAE and abroad. She added that the enhanced programme and broader community participation further strengthened Hatta’s position as a leading winter destination while reinforcing the festival’s role in supporting local talent, entrepreneurs, and productive families, and promoting sustainable economic and social impact.
Among more than 30 unique activities, highlights included ‘Cooking and Camping,’ ‘Star Photography,’ and a traditional life experience at Hatta farms designed for children, offering a fun and engaging way to explore heritage practices. The festival featured a wide range of activities that blended entertainment and education, with over 150 workshops and more than 30 events for visitors of all ages.
A key highlight of the festival was the participation of 30 homegrown businesses from the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network, with a special focus on ventures based in Hatta. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), stated that DSF x Hatta has further elevated the Hajar Mountains as one of Dubai’s most sought-after winter destinations, extending the festival’s footprint beyond the city and into the heart of the emirate’s natural landscape.
Mariam Dhaen Al Tamimi, Acting Director of the Heritage Department at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, highlighted the significance of Hatta Cultural Nights in celebrating the area’s rich culture and longstanding history. The festival welcomed over 100,000 visitors, showcasing Hatta’s unique handicrafts, immersive experiences, and cultural trails.
Maitha Al Shamsi, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority, emphasized the importance of empowering Hatta’s residents economically and strengthening their presence in major seasonal events. The ‘Hatta Unites Us’ Festival embodied a vision that places the local community at the heart of the region’s growing tourism and economic momentum.
The Hatta Winter Initiative successfully combined entertainment, culture, and economic opportunities, creating a platform to highlight the region’s natural beauty and heritage while supporting sustainable development and the local economy. The initiative reinforced Hatta’s profile as a leading winter destination, showcasing Dubai’s ability to deliver world-class experiences that appeal to a wide range of audiences.
