Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, today visited the Hatta Festival organized by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO). In collaboration with the Supreme Committee that oversees Hatta development.
The inaugural edition of the programme, which concludes on December 31, seeks to highlight why Hatta is truly a unique place to visit and what kind of diverse experiences it offers tourists.
During the tour, he was exposed to the series of events and activities organized as part of the celebration, which is being held alongside the third edition of the Dubai Destination Campaign.
He appreciated the idea behind the festival and its goal of showcasing Hatta as a unique and authentic destination featuring exceptional tourist destinations, scenic views, cultural events, sporting activities, dining experiences and luxury resorts.
He further directed that this event should be organized every year, thereby making Hatta stand as a tourist center that attracts people from all over the world.
He said the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, serves as a major inspiration for the initiative to carry forward the development model outlined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to other regions. Is. Big cities across the country.
He also highlighted that the Hatta region has emerged as a paradigm of economic development and investment in the capabilities of the youth, ultimately contributing to the collective well-being of the region.
He stressed Dubai’s unwavering commitment to developing tourism destinations in accordance with the highest global standards and in line with the cultural uniqueness of local communities.
This commitment reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to invest in Dubai’s wider potential, encompassing its rich heritage, natural diversity and archaeological treasures.
He said that the various campaigns and events taking place in Dubai during the winter season are primarily aimed at furthering the concept of family attractions, attracting local and international visitors and tourists alike and positioning Dubai as a leading global destination. Ready to strengthen.
“I visited Hatta Mahotsav and got a chance to participate in its diverse programs and activities. I am pleased with the projects benefiting the area’s residents, especially the youth, and am also pleased to see the enthusiastic participation of families enjoying Hatta’s unique winter atmosphere. We are committed to further developing the Hatta region and showcasing its rich history to the world. Hatta Festival adds significant value to Dubai’s global reputation and tourist appeal,” said His Excellency.
“We issued instructions to host the Hatta Festival every year, providing all resources to build on the success achieved by the inaugural edition of the festival. Our aim is to see all areas of Dubai as the destination of choice for families and visitors to the emirate.
Everything we have achieved today brings us closer to realizing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Our objective is and will always be the well-being and happiness of the residents of Dubai.”
He was accompanied during the visit by Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General of Dubai’s Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Wellbeing Pillar and Chairman of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications and Director General of the Office of the Crown Prince of Dubai; Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President and Managing Director of Dubai Media Council; and Ahmed Al Bedwawi, Assistant Director General of Dubai Council Affairs at the Executive Office.
His Excellency was briefed by Shaimaa Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, about the diverse cultural, entertainment and family experiences showcased at the inaugural edition of the festival.
His Excellency noted the significant community participation at the Festival in cultural, sporting and social events as well as creative workshops for various sections of the society.
They were also apprised about the support provided by Brand Dubai to Dubai’s startup community through the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ initiative.
The ‘Proudly from Dubai Market’, held as part of the festival, showcased 30 diverse projects, 17 of which were directly benefiting the youth and residents of Hatta.
Additionally, His Excellency was updated on the vision to develop the Hatta Festival as an annual event and a family destination, which will further enhance Dubai’s position on the global tourism map.
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan visited some of Hatta’s top tourist attractions including the Al Sharia area, Hatta Heritage Village and the festival’s focal point Leem Park, which covers an expanse of three hectares in the heart of Hatta’s hilly terrain.
The lake offers tourists breathtaking landscapes amidst the mountains and a vantage view of the sunset. During the tour, he was also given an overview of various projects initiated by young Hatta residents, with the festival serving as an ideal platform to promote their products.
They also visited the GoGravity project, the first and only outdoor zorbing track in the Middle East that was launched in 2018 by two brothers, Khalifa and Ahmed Al Beddawi.
The Hatta Festival also features artistic workshops and educational experiences for children in a creative setting. Ice skating and roller skating are among other experiences that tourists can enjoy. Also part of the events is the Hatta Honey Festival, which invites visitors to taste Hatta’s famous local honey varieties.
The Festival provides a platform to share expertise in honey production and showcase a diverse range of products, while supporting the economic activities undertaken by local residents.
Following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Council, the #DubaiDestinations campaign was launched by Dubai Media Council, in collaboration with several government, semi-government organisations. With the participation of the creative community in Dubai as well as government and private companies. The campaign highlights the unique places, activities and attractions that make Dubai one of the world’s most loved winter holiday destinations.
Dubai launched a comprehensive development plan for the Hatta area in October 2021. This strategic plan is in line with Dubai’s Urban Master Plan 2040, which targets holistic development across all areas of the emirate.
The plan prioritizes infrastructure development and implementation of a range of development projects and initiatives over the coming two decades.
