The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is set to launch the fifth iteration of the Hatta Cultural Nights, inviting residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and scenic beauty of the Hatta mountain region. Fresh off its recent accolade as ‘Best Community Event 2024–2025’ at the Middle East Event Awards, the festival aims to champion local traditions and support the socioeconomic development of the area. Running from December 20, 2025, to January 1, 2026, the event, hosted at the historic Hatta Heritage Village, is a central pillar of the ongoing #HattaWinter campaign managed by Brand Dubai.
This annual gathering supports Dubai Culture’s commitment to advancing Hatta’s comprehensive development strategy, specifically by enhancing the regional cultural landscape and quality of life. By spotlighting Hatta’s unique history and geographical assets, organizers seek to fortify its standing as a major cultural and historical tourism destination.
Exploring Authentic Emirati Traditions
Visitors can expect a vibrant array of performances and interactive experiences designed to reflect the authentic culture of the mountainous region. The program offers distinctive folkloric performances, including specialist groups presenting Al Harbiya dances, alongside traditional musical sessions featuring the Rababa and Oud instruments.
Beyond heritage displays, the festival ensures family-friendly entertainment with circus acts, bubble shows, and engaging balloon displays. Central to the immersive experience are several interactive workshops, such as sessions dedicated to the art of traditional heritage coffee preparation, a dedicated star observatory, and the stimulating Creativity Studio.
Adding a unique dimension this year, media partner Sama Dubai TV will present a dedicated Cinema Exhibition. This showcase will delve into the UAE’s broadcasting history by featuring archival programs and classic Emirati television series, providing audiences with a nostalgic look at the nation’s cultural milestones. The schedule also includes various heritage-focused competitions.
Empowering Local Creativity and Economy
A vital component of Hatta Cultural Nights is its focus on economic empowerment, channeled through two dedicated marketplaces. The Crafts Market will feature established and emerging artisans showcasing traditional Emirati handicrafts. Adjacent to this, a popular market focuses on products created by home-grown businesses rooted in local heritage.
This marketplace initiative serves as a crucial platform for emerging local talent, helping them advance their artistic, cultural, and economic ventures by connecting directly with the public. Such support directly reinforces the growth of Dubai’s burgeoning creative and cultural industries.
Maryam Dhaen Al Tamimi, Acting Director of Heritage Sites Management at Dubai Culture, emphasized the strategic importance of the event. “Hatta Cultural Nights serves as an important platform for the Authority to spotlight the region’s rich history, authentic culture, and unique creative talent,” she noted. “The event contributes to enhancing quality of life and reinforcing Hatta’s position on the tourism map. It also supports families and home-grown businesses, enabling creators to develop their economic and cultural projects.”
The festival aligns with Dubai Culture’s broader mandate to preserve national identity and local heritage, ensuring its transmission to future generations. Hatta Cultural Nights is one of six specialized festivals organized under the second edition of the #HattaWinter campaign, which itself falls under the overarching #DubaiDestinations initiative. Its continuation highlights the authority’s dedication to developing cultural tourism beyond the city center and sustaining the mountain region’s unique identity.