The Community Development Authority (CDA) has launched “Hatta Unites Us,” a new festival designed to celebrate home-based entrepreneurs and the cultural richness of the region, marking the authority’s debut at the annual #HattaWinter campaign. Beginning December 8, 2025, at Al Wadi Park, this community-focused event aims to strengthen the role of local families within one of Dubai’s fastest-developing destinations, positioning Hatta’s unique heritage at the forefront of the visitor experience.
Spotlighting Hatta’s Homegrown Talent
Building upon the success of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, the second edition of #HattaWinter is drawing residents and tourists seeking authentic cultural and outdoor activities set against Hatta’s dramatic natural backdrop. The “Hatta Unites Us” festival specifically spotlights homegrown talent by showcasing 35 home-based entrepreneurs who are presenting locally crafted goods.
These featured micro-enterprises offer a diverse range of products, including artisanal goods, textiles, traditional foods, confectionery, and perfumes. The initiative provides these participants with broad market access previously unavailable, reinforcing Hatta’s long-established culture of family enterprise.
Visitors gain more than a simple shopping experience; the festival introduces several new experiential additions that integrate community and culture:
- ‘Hatta Memories’: A visually curated chronicle tracing the region’s history.
- Heritage Kitchen: Serving dishes inspired by the local community.
- Cultural Stage: Hosting performances and interactive conversations that immerse audiences in Hatta’s creative scene.
- Interactive Workshops: Offering hands-on participation in traditional crafts.
Enabling New Economic Pathways and Inclusivity
Reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to inclusive community development, the festival integrates dedicated platforms for diverse demographics. In collaboration with the Sheikha Maitha Bint Rashid Al Maktoum Centre, a special section caters to People of Determination. Additionally, a dedicated Majlis space facilitates storytelling and intergenerational dialogue among senior citizens, seamlessly integrating local voices into the overall visitor journey.
Ali Al Qassim, Director of Benefits and Financial Empowerment at the CDA, emphasized the festival’s economic impact. “’Hatta Unites Us’ is a vital measure in empowering home-based entrepreneurs to significantly expand their financial prospects,” he stated. “It offers families a crucial platform to grow their enterprises and engage with new audiences, thereby strengthening their ability to transition from home-run initiatives into viable, formalized businesses within the local market.”
Al Qassim added that the CDA is actively developing a comprehensive support ecosystem for these entrepreneurs. This framework focuses on critical areas such as skills development, improved market access, and long-term economic resilience, ensuring sustained community benefit and broad participation among all groups, including senior citizens and People of Determination.
The festival acts as a powerful complement to the larger #HattaWinter campaign, deepening the connection between residents and their unique locale. By intertwining creativity, culture, and community spirit, “Hatta Unites Us” solidifies Hatta’s profile as a destination where heritage and the natural environment converge, while actively opening new economic pathways for family enterprises. The public is invited to experience this celebration of local ingenuity and culture in one of Dubai’s most distinct winter retreats.