The Community Development Authority (CDA) has initiated the “Hatta Unites Us” festival, debuting at the second annual #HattaWinter campaign to champion home-based entrepreneurs and celebrate the cultural richness of the Hatta region. Launched on December 8, 2025, at Al Wadi Park, this new community-focused experience aims to solidify the economic role of local families within one of Dubai’s rapidly evolving destinations, providing a vital platform for 35 homegrown businesses to showcase locally crafted products.
Spotlighting Local Talent and Heritage
As a key component of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, the #HattaWinter event utilizes Hatta’s unique natural landscapes and rich heritage to attract both residents and international tourists seeking authentic outdoor and cultural experiences. The introduction of “Hatta Unites Us” this year specifically focuses on spotlighting homegrown talent, exhibiting products ranging from traditional foods and artisanal goods to perfumes, textiles, and confectionery. This initiative underscores Hatta’s long-standing tradition of family enterprise, connecting participants with a significantly broader market audience.
The festival offers several new experiential additions designed to immerse visitors in local culture. These include ‘Hatta Memories,’ a visual timeline of the region’s history; hands-on workshops demonstrating traditional craftwork; a heritage kitchen featuring community-inspired recipes; and a cultural stage hosting local performances and dialogues about Hatta’s burgeoning creative and entrepreneurial scene.
Complementing this focus on cultural continuity is a dedicated platform for People of Determination, developed in collaboration with the Sheikha Maitha Bint Rashid Al Maktoum Centre. Furthermore, a ‘Majlis’ provides senior citizens with a space for intergenerational storytelling and dialogue, ensuring that local voices and history are integrated into the visitor experience.
Enabling Economic Empowerment for Families
The festival represents a crucial step in fulfilling Dubai’s commitment to inclusive community development by generating new economic pathways. Ali Al Qassim, Director of Benefits and Financial Empowerment at the CDA, highlighted the initiative’s broader impact. “’Hatta Unites Us’ offers an authentic window into local life while creating a meaningful platform for families to grow their enterprises and engage with new audiences,” Al Qassim explained.
The goal is to transition home-run initiatives into viable businesses within the local market, empowering families to participate more actively in Hatta’s evolving economy. The CDA is committed to reinforcing a comprehensive support ecosystem for these entrepreneurs, emphasizing critical factors such as market access, skills development, and long-term economic resilience. This organizational framework extends support specifically to senior citizens and People of Determination, guaranteeing widespread participation and sustained community benefit.
By deepening the connection between residents and the geographic location, “Hatta Unites Us” strengthens Hatta’s reputation as a premier destination where heritage, creativity, and natural beauty converge. The festival seamlessly integrates a strong community dimension into the established winter campaign, inviting the public to celebrate local culture and creativity while opening new opportunities for family enterprise in one of Dubai’s most unique settings.