Hewi Dubai Launches Nad Al Sheba Community Space To Strengthen Social Ties

‘Hewi Nad Al Sheba’, a new outdoor community space in Dubai, opens as the first project under the wider ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiative, aiming to bring residents together in a shared neighbourhood setting. The space blends traditional Emirati concepts of gathering with contemporary design, supporting social life, wellbeing, and everyday interaction among different age groups.

The term ‘Hewi’ refers to a home’s outdoor area where relatives and neighbours naturally meet, a core feature of the traditional ‘fareej’ or neighbourhood. The initiative is designed to recreate that familiar sense of connection, while adapting it for present-day urban life. It places emphasis on belonging, regular social contact, and family-centred community activity.

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H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), attends the inauguration of ‘Hewi Nad Al Sheba’. The project is presented as a model for a new generation of shared spaces across the emirate.

The ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiative is developed through cooperation between Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Future Foundation, and ‘Ferjan Dubai’. Together, these entities aim to design neighbourhood spaces that strengthen social links, encourage outdoor living, support local families and home-based businesses, and bring residents of various ages together in accessible and welcoming environments.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said, "We launched the ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiative to preserve the legacy of the traditional Emirati ‘fareej’ that our parents and grandparents grew up in – an environment that played a defining role in shaping their values and strengthening social cohesion. Through ‘Hewi Dubai’, we seek to connect the past with the present and the future, so that our children can experience the sense of belonging and togetherness that has long defined Emirati society."

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed added, "The quality of life of Dubai’s residents will remain among our top priorities and the North Star that guides our initiatives. Through ‘Hewi Dubai’, we aim to provide open community spaces that welcome senior citizens in calm and comfortable settings, while offering children a safe recreational environment that helps shape their social and cultural awareness."

The opening event brings together several senior figures, underlining the initiative’s institutional support. Attendees include Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Deputy Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation. Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, also attends, along with dignitaries and senior officials.

Hewi Nad Al Sheba community space layout and Hewi Dubai initiative experience

‘Hewi Nad Al Sheba’ is designed as an open, contemporary space that invites people to walk, sit, and meet. Different zones cater to children, adults, and senior citizens, using a holistic approach to encourage intergenerational contact. The layout aims to support regular use, strengthen links between neighbours, and enable meaningful, informal interaction within the community.

The design uses local environmental features and materials to align with the surrounding landscape. Native plants such as sidr and tamarisk trees provide shade and a familiar visual identity. Construction elements include limestone, rammed earth, and sand, with limited use of concrete and artificial turf, reflecting a focus on sustainability and regional character in public-space planning.

Within ‘Hewi Nad Al Sheba’, several named areas address different community needs. ‘Al Decha’ offers a quiet gathering space beside the mosque. ‘Al Saaha’ functions as a flexible indoor-outdoor area for meetings, celebrations, and community events. ‘Al Yalsa’ faces the children’s play zone, giving parents a relaxed seating area with clear visibility, while a walking path promotes gentle exercise and contact with nature.

To mark the inauguration, organisers prepare a curated schedule of activities that highlight culture, creativity, and health. An art exhibition, created in collaboration with the ‘Erth Dubai’ initiative, displays photographs and illustrations of leading Emirati figures and important historical moments. Senior citizens will guide traditional games in the ‘Al Decha’ area, sharing memories and practices with younger residents.

The programme further includes interactive activities for children, alongside pop-up retail and craft workshops hosted by Nad Al Sheba residents. Sports activities target all ages and place attention on physical wellbeing and active lifestyles. Overall, ‘Hewi Nad Al Sheba’ and the wider ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiative demonstrate a structured plan to connect heritage, public space design, and community life in Dubai.

With inputs from WAM