Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has launched the 2025 edition of the Hatta Festival. The festival runs until 28 December at the three-hectare Leem Lake waterfront, set against the stunning mountain landscape of Hatta. As part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, the event offers a mix of cultural, recreational, and community experiences for visitors of all ages.
Building on Last Year’s Success
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, highlighted that this year’s festival builds on the success of the previous edition, which attracted over 650,000 visitors. The program focuses on inclusivity and diversity, ensuring a memorable experience for families and individuals of all ages.
The festival also supports the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, raising awareness of Hatta’s tourism, cultural, and natural attractions while reinforcing its status as a top outdoor destination in Dubai. According to Al Suwaidi, the event celebrates community spirit, showcasing Dubai’s ongoing progress and promise.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
Amina Taher, a member of the festival’s Organising Committee, emphasized that the event is part of Brand Dubai’s Proudly from Dubai initiative, supporting local entrepreneurs. This year, 30 ventures, half run by Hatta residents, are participating to showcase their products and engage directly with visitors.
The festival features a variety of food, desserts, and locally produced goods, highlighting homegrown talent and promoting SMEs in Hatta. Taher noted that these ventures strengthen community engagement and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.
Young Entrepreneurs and Workshops
The festival also features the Young Entrepreneurs Competition, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (Dubai SME), highlighting four young entrepreneurs from Hatta.
In total, the festival offers over 150 workshops and activities suitable for all ages, along with more than 100 performances and TV shows, creating a lively, family-friendly environment.
Family-Friendly Activities:
Visitors can enjoy a range of community-focused experiences, including:
Cooking and Camping: Outdoor cooking combined with camping in Hatta’s mountains.
Star Photography Workshop: Basics of astrophotography.
Traditional Life in Hatta Farms: Educational activities for children showcasing Hatta’s heritage.
Other highlights include Home Bakery, a popular Dubai bakery, and extensive children’s zones with creative workshops, skill-based games, and a mini zoo featuring ponies, gazelles, goats, parrots, and rabbits.
Games and Adventure Zones
The festival offers interactive areas for all ages:
Large games area: Giant versions of chess, checkers, connect-four, and snakes & ladders.
Winter Games Zone: Adventure activities including bungee jumping, human crane challenges, bumper cars, and large-scale skill games.
Hatta-themed Escape Room: Puzzle-solving experiences inspired by Hatta’s heritage.
Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Experiences
Outdoor workshops by local creators provide hands-on arts and crafts sessions inspired by Hatta’s natural environment. With over 150 sessions, the area serves as a vibrant creative hub throughout the festival.
The festival’s Majlis, sponsored by Camelicious, offers a traditional Emirati space for visitors to relax while enjoying mountain views and Hatta’s rich heritage.
The Brand Dubai Store also returns, featuring festival-themed souvenirs and over 25 artworks by more than 10 artists.
Entertainment and Night Experiences
The festival will be covered extensively on television through Dubai Media. The Main Stage, set against Leem Lake, will host more than 100 shows, including popular TV program episodes from Sama Dubai TV, alongside innovative family-friendly performances. The venue accommodates an audience of 500. At night, the bridges across Leem Lake transform into glowing art installations with dynamic lighting inspired by Hatta’s nature and heritage, enhancing the festival’s scenic beauty.
