The Community Development Authority (CDA) has initiated a significant new community undertaking with the launch of the “Hatta Unites Us” festival, debuting at the second annual #HattaWinter campaign. Beginning today at Al Wadi Park, this event is designed to celebrate local culture and bolster the economic prospects of home-based entrepreneurs in Hatta, one of Dubai’s rapidly expanding destinations. The festival will feature 35 local businesses showcasing handcrafted products, offering visitors a deep dive into the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and heritage.
The launch of “Hatta Unites Us” aligns with the broader #DubaiDestinations campaign, capitalizing on Hatta’s scenic natural environment and rich cultural history to attract both residents and international tourists. The initiative specifically aims to strengthen the role of local families within the developing economic framework of Hatta while providing authentic cultural and outdoor experiences for visitors.
Spotlight on Local Enterprise and Traditional Culture
The festival serves as a dedicated marketplace for homegrown talent. The 35 featured entrepreneurs are presenting a diverse array of locally crafted goods, including traditional foods, bespoke confectionery, artisanal textiles, perfumes, and other handcrafted items. This platform is strategically designed to provide these family-run enterprises with unprecedented access to a wider market, fostering growth beyond home operations.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Hatta’s unique identity through several experiential additions:
- ‘Hatta Memories’: A visual display chronicling the region’s rich past.
- Traditional Craft Workshops: Hands-on sessions demonstrating local heritage skills.
- Heritage Kitchen: Serving dishes inspired by the local community.
- Cultural Stage: Hosting performances and dialogues connecting audiences with Hatta’s creative and business sectors.
Significantly, the event also emphasizes inclusive community development. In collaboration with the Sheikha Maitha Bint Rashid Al Maktoum Centre, a specific area is dedicated to supporting Persons of Determination. Furthermore, a Majlis for senior citizens provides a space for intergenerational dialogue and storytelling, ensuring local voices and history are woven into the visitor experience.
Enabling Economic Growth Through Community Support
The “Hatta Unites Us” festival is positioned as a critical mechanism for transitioning family-run initiatives into viable, sustainable businesses. Ali Al Qassim, Director of Benefits and Financial Empowerment at CDA, underscored the festival’s economic impact.
“Hatta Unites Us represents a significant step in enabling home-based entrepreneurs to broaden their economic prospects,” Al Qassim stated. “The festival offers visitors an authentic window into local life while creating a meaningful platform for families to grow their enterprises and engage with new audiences. It strengthens their ability to move from home-run initiatives into viable businesses within the local market, empowering them to take a more active role in Hatta’s evolving economic landscape.”
The CDA is simultaneously developing a robust support ecosystem for these entrepreneurs. This framework focuses on essential elements such as market access, skills development, and ensuring long-term economic resilience. This comprehensive approach mandates broad community participation, including tailored programs and support for senior citizens and Persons of Determination, ensuring sustained benefits across Hatta’s demographics.
By integrating cultural celebration with economic enablement, the “Hatta Unites Us” festival reinforces Hatta’s profile as a prime destination where heritage, creativity, and natural beauty converge, establishing a blueprint for community-led economic development within Dubai’s growing winter tourist calendar.