The Community Development Authority (CDA) has debuted at the annual #HattaWinter campaign, launching the “Hatta Unites Us” festival to celebrate local home-based entrepreneurs and reinforce the region’s cultural identity. Kicking off today—December 8, 2025—at Al Wadi Park, the event introduces diverse, community-focused experiences designed to bolster the economic role of local families within the context of Hatta, one of Dubai’s rapidly growing destinations.
Held under the second edition of the prominent #DubaiDestinations initiative, the campaign integrates the natural beauty and heritage of Hatta with a modern focus on economic empowerment. This year’s programming aims to elevate the profile of Hatta’s unique attractions while offering visitors deeper insights into the area’s history and vibrant contemporary life.
Spotlighting Homegrown Talent and Family Enterprises
“Hatta Unites Us” features 35 home-based entrepreneurs showcasing an array of locally crafted products. Offerings span traditional foods, artisanal goods, textiles, confectionery, and perfumes. This platform is designed to highlight Hatta’s established tradition of family enterprise, connecting participants with a broader market and increasing their commercial opportunities.
Beyond the retail offerings, the festival enriches the visitor experience with several new additions. These include ‘Hatta Memories,’ a visual exhibition detailing the community’s past; interactive workshops focused on traditional craftsmanship; a heritage kitchen serving localized dishes; and a cultural stage hosting performances and public discussions that showcase Hatta’s creative and entrepreneurial scene.
Promoting Inclusive Community Development
A core component of the festival is its commitment to inclusivity, echoing Dubai’s goal of strengthening all community segments. The event features a dedicated platform for People of Determination, established in collaboration with the Sheikha Maitha Bint Rashid Al Maktoum Centre. Furthermore, the festival includes a Majlis for senior citizens, providing a respectful space for intergenerational dialogue and storytelling, ensuring local voices are woven into the visitor experience.
Ali Al Qassim, Director of Benefits and Financial Empowerment at the CDA, emphasized the festival’s economic significance. “‘Hatta Unites Us’ marks a crucial step in enabling home-based entrepreneurs to widen their economic horizons,” he stated. “It offers residents a meaningful opportunity to transform home-run initiatives into viable businesses within the local market, empowering them to take an active role in Hatta’s evolving economic landscape.”
Al Qassim noted that the CDA is committed to building a comprehensive support ecosystem for these entrepreneurs. This framework focuses on market access, essential skills development, and long-term economic resilience. Specialized programs for senior citizens and People of Determination are integrated into this framework, ensuring equitable participation and sustained community benefit.
Creating New Economic Pathways
By empowering local families and celebrating cultural heritage, “Hatta Unites Us” adds a robust community dimension to the annual #HattaWinter campaign. The festival reinforces the connection between residents and their locale, solidifying Hatta’s reputation as a multifaceted destination where culture, creativity, and natural beauty converge.
The event, which is set to become an annual fixture, provides crucial market validation and networking opportunities for small enterprises. As Dubai continues to invest in Hatta’s development, supportive initiatives like this festival create tangible pathways for economic growth, leveraging local talent to drive sustainable prosperity in the region. Visitors are invited to explore the engaging ten-day program that celebrates community spirit while supporting the next generation of Hatta entrepreneurs.