Brand Dubai Unveils 2025 Hatta Festival Featuring Cultural Experiences And Community Engagement

The Hatta Festival 2025 has been launched by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event, part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, takes place at Leem Lake's three-hectare waterfront until 28 December. It offers a blend of cultural and recreational experiences for families and visitors of all ages.

Amina Taher from the Organising Committee highlighted that the festival supports local entrepreneurs through the Proudly from Dubai initiative. This year, 30 ventures are participating, with half run by Hatta residents. These businesses offer food, desserts, and locally produced goods, promoting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hatta and fostering opportunities for local talent.

The festival includes over 150 workshops and activities suitable for all ages. Highlights include Cooking and Camping in the Hatta mountains, Star Photography workshops, and Traditional Life in Hatta Farms activities for children. A mini zoo with friendly animals like ponies and rabbits provides an interactive experience for kids.

Entertainment and Cultural Experiences

The Main Stage at Leem Lake hosts more than 100 performances, including TV shows by Sama Dubai TV. The venue accommodates up to 500 people. At night, bridges across Leem Lake become glowing art installations inspired by Hatta’s nature and heritage, enhancing the festival's atmosphere.

Interactive Zones and Workshops

Visitors can enjoy a large games area with giant versions of classic board games like chess and snakes & ladders. The Winter Games Zone offers adventure activities such as bungee jumping and bumper cars. An Escape Room themed around Hatta encourages teamwork through puzzle-solving challenges.

Outdoor workshops near Leem Lake provide arts and crafts sessions led by local creators. With over 150 sessions available, this area serves as a vibrant creative hub throughout the festival. The Majlis sponsored by Camelicious offers a traditional Emirati meeting space with mountain views.

Shaima Al Suwaidi from Brand Dubai noted that last year's festival attracted over 650,000 visitors in a month. This year's programme aims to be inclusive and diverse to ensure memorable experiences for families while supporting the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

The festival also features Home Bakery, known for its fresh desserts popular among families. Extensive children's zones offer creative workshops and educational activities. For the first time, a mini zoo introduces children to various animals in an engaging setting.

Taher mentioned that this year's event includes a Young Entrepreneurs Competition in collaboration with Dubai SME. Four young entrepreneurs from Hatta showcase their talents here. Additionally, more than 100 performances are scheduled to entertain families throughout the event.

Brand Dubai Store returns with festival-themed souvenirs inspired by works from over 10 artists who contributed more than 25 artworks available for purchase. The market offers visitors a chance to buy unique creative products during their visit.

The festival is not only about entertainment but also celebrates community spirit by bringing people together. It highlights Hatta’s tourism potential while showcasing its cultural assets as one of Dubai’s inspiring outdoor destinations.

Television coverage will be extensive through Dubai Media channels ensuring broad visibility for this vibrant celebration set against Hatta's stunning mountain landscape at Leem Lake waterfront until late December this year.

With inputs from WAM