Brand Dubai Launches Second Edition of HattaWinter
DUBAI Under the directives and patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, and under the supervision of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, announced the launch of the second edition of #HattaWinter.
Part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, #HattaWinter will run from 5 December 2025 to 31 January 2026 and feature six festivals. The initiative is being implemented by Brand Dubai in collaboration with government partners including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Community Development Authority, the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The details of the second edition were shared during a press conference at the Government of Dubai Media Office, where officials presented an expanded programme aimed at highlighting Hatta’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and appeal as a winter destination.
Hatta’s Growing Tourism Appeal
Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, underscored the growing importance of major festivals and events held in Hatta. She said these initiatives support Hatta’s development as a tourism destination, create opportunities for the private sector and strengthen community-led growth.
Al Marri said the festivals offer a wide programme of cultural, entertainment and sports activities that highlight Hatta’s heritage and landscapes. She expressed appreciation for the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta and partner entities whose joint efforts support the Hatta Development Plan, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai’s broader economic and social goals.
She noted that last year’s #HattaWinter drew nearly one million visitors, reflecting the region’s increasing appeal. She encouraged citizens, residents and visitors to explore this year’s expanded programme.
Festival Line-up and Activities
The second edition of #HattaWinter will feature six festivals: #HattaFestival by Brand Dubai; the Hatta Honey Festival and Hatta Agricultural Festival by Dubai Municipality; Hatta Cultural Nights by Dubai Culture; the Productive Families Festival by the Community Development Authority; and the Hatta Wadi Hub Festival by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The #HattaFestival will take place from 5 to 28 December 2025 at Leem Lake, offering cultural, sports and community activities for all age groups.
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, commended the cooperation between participating entities, noting their shared goal of promoting a region rich in natural, cultural and recreational attractions for citizens, residents and international visitors. She said Brand Dubai continues to strengthen partnerships under #DubaiDestinations to showcase Dubai’s unique places and experiences.
Highlighting the role of the Festival in supporting small and emerging businesses, Al Suwaidi said 30 ventures from the Proudly from Dubai initiative, representing creative entrepreneurs and homegrown brands, including several from Hatta, will join this year’s event to present their products and widen their reach.
Community Participation and Youth Engagement
Amina Taher, Member of the #HattaWinter Organising Committee, said the second edition will feature community activities led by local residents, allowing visitors to engage with Hatta’s culture and heritage. Activities include camping, Pilates sessions with Gigi, night-sky photography sessions with an Emirati photographer and a meditation-with-music activity in collaboration with Immersive.
She highlighted the Young Entrepreneur initiative, which enables children to explore entrepreneurship in an interactive environment. The Festival will also include expanded children’s zones with art workshops, educational games and creative activities. The Brand Dubai store will feature products by Emirati designers and local businesses, and pop-up restaurants including Home Bakery will contribute to the family-friendly setting.
Infrastructure and Security Support
Hussain Al Banna, CEO of the Traffic and Roads Agency at RTA and Head of the Executive Team to Oversee the Development of Hatta, said the Supreme Committee chaired by Mattar Al Tayer continues to advance an ambitious plan for Hatta with 74 projects, including 48 completed and 26 underway, covering infrastructure, tourism, environment upgrades and community services. He said RTA is enhancing mobility with planning, sustainable transport and public-transport services, supporting festivals with 1,059 parking spaces, 65 valet spaces, 14 daily Dubai Mall–Hatta trips, eight internal shuttle buses and over 600 mobility options, along with teams managing crowds and traffic.
Captain Ghadeer Mohammed Al Khalidi, Head of the Traffic Registration Section, Hatta Police Station, Dubai Police, highlighted Dubai Police’s experience in managing major events in Hatta. He said internal and external teams have been deployed to ensure visitor safety, especially for children and the elderly, and to maintain smooth traffic flow and access to festival venues.
Upcoming Cultural and Agricultural Events
Mohammed Abdulrahman Ahli, Acting Director of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities, Dubai Municipality, said the Hatta Honey Festival will hold its tenth edition from 27 to 31 December with fifty Emirati beekeepers, supporting national honey producers and providing opportunities to present their products and share expertise through workshops. He said the Hatta Agricultural Festival will take place from 16 to 20 January 2026 at Leem Lake, with 25 local farmers showcasing agricultural products alongside related activities.
Mariam Al Tamimi, Acting Director of Heritage Sites, Dubai Culture, said the fifth edition of Hatta Cultural Nights will run from 20 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 at the Hatta Heritage Village. She said the festival celebrates Hatta’s heritage, culture and natural beauty and supports the Authority’s mission to preserve local heritage. This year’s programme includes traditional, artistic and entertainment activities, a children’s theatre, an innovation-themed zone focusing on technology and AI and an open-air cinema showing classic and heritage content.
Economic and Sports Initiatives
Ali Al Qassim, Director of Benefits and Financial Empowerment at the Community Development Authority, said the Productive Families Festival – Hatta Brings Us Together will run from 5 to 28 December 2025 at Al Wadi Park. He said the festival offers a platform to support local families’ participation in the economy, with around 30 families presenting products that include food, sweets, perfumes, clothing and handicrafts. He added that the festival supports project development, encourages innovation and contributes to sustainable community and economic growth.
Rashid Mohammed Abdullah, Head of Event Planning and Implementation, Dubai Sports Council, said Hatta’s natural environment and strong sports infrastructure make it a preferred location for mountain and water sports. He said the Council is committed to developing sports in the region by expanding mountain-bike trails and hiking paths, developing local talent and collaborating with organisers to host various events. He said winter events have special importance, with major activities planned such as the Ultra Trail Dubai, the Women’s Epic Race and mountain-biking competitions.
Hatta Wadi Hub Festival and Media Coverage
Abdul Hakim Hussein, Senior Assistant, Festivals and Retail Events, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the success of the previous edition supported the promotion of Hatta and its natural attractions. He said the third edition of the Hatta Wadi Hub Festival, from 5 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, will introduce new activities including an outdoor cinema, a Dinner in the Sky activation, candlelight evenings with live music and an illuminated walking trail.
Hamda Al Basata, Acting Director of Sama Dubai TV, Dubai Media, said Sama Dubai TV will broadcast daily live coverage of #HattaWinter for the third year, presenting key activities and interviews with visitors and organisers to highlight the diversity of the programme. She said the channel will also feature interactive shows from the festival site. Dubai Media will collaborate with Dubai Culture during Hatta Cultural Nights, with Dubai Zaman channel providing archival and heritage content for open-air screenings.