Second Edition of HattaWinter Features Six Festivals, Including Hatta Festival, Honey Festival and Cultural Nights, Boosting Tourism Growth and Celebrating Heritage

Published on November 27, 2025

Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has announced that #HattaWinter is back for a second edition. Running from December 5, 2025 until January 31, 2026, this year’s event will include six dynamic festivals that celebrate the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and increasing popularity of Hatta as Dubai’s premier winter destination.

HattaWinter is part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, aimed at driving interest in the diversity and richness of the emirate’s offering. The event showcases Hatta’s breathtaking landscapes, pristine nature, and rich cultural heritage, positioning it as one of Dubai’s major attractions this winter tourism season.

A Strong Partnership: Government and Private Sector Collaboration

The success of #HattaWinter hinges on the collaborative efforts between key government partners, including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Community Development Authority, the Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Their unified efforts support Hatta’s development as both a tourist destination and an area for community-led growth.

Mona Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council, highlighted the growing significance of the festivals in Hatta. She mentioned that these initiatives are helping to raise the region’s profile as a tourism destination, while also creating new opportunities for the private sector and fostering community development in the area.

Hatta’s Growing Appeal as a Winter Tourism Hub

Al Marri noted that last year’s #HattaWinter event attracted nearly one million visitors, underscoring the growing popularity of the region. The success of the first edition reflects Hatta’s increasing appeal and the distinctiveness of its tourism offerings. The enhanced programme for this year’s edition aims to attract even more visitors and offer them a chance to experience the best of Hatta during the winter months.

As tourism continues to play a vital role in Dubai’s economy, the promotion of Hatta as a winter destination helps diversify the emirate’s tourism offerings, encouraging travel beyond the traditional hotspots in the city. The natural beauty and cultural heritage of Hatta present a unique opportunity to showcase Dubai’s diverse landscapes to both residents and international visitors.

Six Festivals to Highlight Hatta’s Heritage and Beauty

The second edition of #HattaWinter will feature six major festivals that bring together cultural, entertainment, and sports activities. These include:

1. #HattaFestival (December 5–28, 2025) – Organized by Brand Dubai, this festival will take place at Leem Lake, offering a rich programme of activities for all ages, including cultural exhibitions, sports, and community-driven events.
2. Hatta Honey Festival (December 27–31, 2025) – Hosted by Dubai Municipality, this festival will celebrate the art of beekeeping with 50 Emirati beekeepers showcasing their honey products and offering workshops on sustainable agriculture and local honey production.
3. Hatta Agricultural Festival (January 16–20, 2026) – Also organized by Dubai Municipality, this festival will bring together local farmers, who will present their agricultural products, alongside a series of workshops and educational activities.
4. Hatta Cultural Nights (December 20, 2025–January 1, 2026) – A festival by Dubai Culture, celebrating Hatta’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty. This event will feature traditional performances, arts and crafts, and an open-air cinema showcasing classic films.
5. Productive Families Festival (December 5–28, 2025) – Organized by the Community Development Authority, this festival will provide a platform for around 30 families to showcase their local products ranging from food, clothing, and handicrafts, promoting community engagement.
6. Hatta Wadi Hub Festival (December 5, 2025–January 31, 2026) – Organized by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, this festival will introduce new experiential activities including “Dinner in the Sky”, candlelight evenings, live music, and an illuminated walking trail for a memorable winter tourism experience.

Supporting Small Businesses and Emerging Entrepreneurs

A key feature of the #HattaWinter festivals is the involvement of small and emerging businesses, with 30 ventures from the Proudly from Dubai initiative participating in this year’s event. These local entrepreneurs and homegrown brands—including those from Hatta—will showcase their products and gain exposure to a larger audience. This support for local businesses contributes to the economic vitality of the region, helping sustainability and innovation within the community.

Community Activities and Local Engagement

The second edition of #HattaWinter will feature a wide range of community-led activities, offering tourists a chance to engage with Hatta’s rich cultural heritage. These include camping, Pilates sessions, night-sky photography with an Emirati photographer, and a meditation-with-music experience. These activities are designed to immerse visitors in the local culture, creating a deeper connection with the community and Hatta’s natural beauty.

In addition, the Young Entrepreneur initiative will allow children to experience entrepreneurship in an interactive setting, fostering creativity and business awareness. The expanded children’s zones will feature art workshops, educational games, and creative activities, making the festivals highly family-friendly.

Enhanced Infrastructure and Support for Safe and Seamless Experiences

Hatta has seen significant investments in infrastructure to support the growing tourism demand. RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) has enhanced mobility by increasing the number of parking spaces, providing valet services, and launching shuttle buses for easy access to festival sites. These efforts are designed to ensure seamless travel for visitors while maintaining safety and efficient crowd management during peak event times.

Dubai Police is also mobilizing resources to ensure the security and safety of festivalgoers, particularly for children and elderly visitors. Their presence will guarantee smooth access to festival sites and provide peace of mind for all attendees.

Hatta as a Key Tourism Destination in Dubai

With #HattaWinter 2025, Hatta is poised to further establish itself as a prominent winter tourism destination in Dubai. The combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and innovative experiences makes Hatta a unique offering in the emirate’s tourism landscape, providing a refreshing alternative to the typical city-based tourism attractions in Dubai.

The festival’s successful implementation and growing popularity reflect the increasing recognition of Hatta’s potential as a key tourism hub. As the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan continues to evolve, Hatta’s role in Dubai’s tourism growth will continue to grow, attracting not only domestic but also international visitors.

A Landmark for Tourism and Community Growth

The second edition of #HattaWinter marks an important milestone in the development of Hatta as a sustainable tourism destination. The diverse festivals, cultural activities, and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs underscore the region’s commitment to fostering community-led tourism while ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty.

With growing recognition as a family-friendly, culturally immersive winter destination, Hatta is set to continue attracting tourists from across the world, creating lasting economic benefits for the region. The partnership between government entities, local communities, and private-sector players is key to Hatta’s tourism success, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and sustainable destination for years to come.

Sustainable Tourism Growth and Community Benefits

In the future, #HattaWinter might set the example for sustainable tourism development in Dubai and the whole UAE. While Hatta will be among the major winter tourist destinations, more and more visitors will contribute to long-term economic development, creating jobs and enabling local businesses to grow. The festivals and activities promote not only the natural beauty of Hatta but also a means for preserving its cultural heritage, thereby turning the region into a model of sustainable tourism in the future. With every improvement to the tourism infrastructure, Hatta’s role in Dubai’s tourism industry will continue to develop, shaping the diverse tourism landscape of the city.