Dubai’s Hatta Festival 2025 returns with family fun, workshops and local talent
Evenings to light up with stage shows, TV programmes, and art installations
DUBAI – Under the directives of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, Brand Dubai has launched the 2025 edition of the Hatta Festival.
Running until 28 December along the three-hectare Leem Lake waterfront, the festival showcases Hatta’s stunning mountain landscape while offering cultural, recreational and community experiences for visitors of all ages. As part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, the event aims to elevate Hatta’s profile as a leading outdoor destination in the emirate.
Hatta Festival 2025
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, highlighted that last year’s festival attracted over 650,000 visitors across a month. The 2025 programme is designed with inclusivity and diversity in mind, offering a memorable experience for families and individuals alike. She explained that the festival contributes to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan by promoting Hatta’s cultural, natural and tourism assets, while reinforcing its status as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. The event also celebrates community spirit, reflecting Dubai’s ongoing development and the promise of Hatta’s scenic and cultural potential.
Supporting local entrepreneurs
Amina Taher, Member of the festival’s Organising Committee, noted that the event forms part of Brand Dubai’s Proudly from Dubai initiative, supporting local SMEs and homegrown talent. This year, 30 ventures are participating, half of them run by Hatta residents, offering food, desserts and locally produced goods to festival-goers. Taher said this approach strengthens community engagement, creates business opportunities and contributes to sustainable economic growth in the region.
The festival also includes the Young Entrepreneurs Competition, in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (Dubai SME), featuring four emerging business talents from Hatta. Beyond entrepreneurship, the event boasts over 150 workshops, more than 100 performances and TV shows, and a wide range of family-oriented activities.
Immersive family experiences
The Hatta Festival offers an extensive variety of family-focused experiences. Visitors can enjoy Cooking and Camping, combining outdoor culinary skills with the excitement of mountain camping, or Star Photography workshops introducing the basics of astrophotography. Children can explore Traditional Life in Hatta Farms, learning about old practices and agricultural heritage in an interactive setting.
The festival features Home Bakery, a popular Dubai café renowned for its fresh, home-style desserts, adding a culinary highlight for visitors. Dedicated children’s zones offer creative workshops, skill-building games and educational activities, while a mini zoo introduces ponies, gazelles, goats, parrots and rabbits for a hands-on learning experience.
At the entrance, a games area with giant versions of classic board games such as chess, connect-four and snakes & ladders creates a nostalgic atmosphere for families. The Winter Games Zone adds adventure with human crane challenges, bungee jumping, bumper cars and large-scale skill games suitable for all ages. A new Hatta-themed Escape Room encourages teamwork and problem-solving, inspired by the local heritage and natural environment.
Creative workshops and arts
Outdoor workshops overlooking Leem Lake provide arts and crafts sessions led by local artisans. With more than 150 hands-on sessions for all ages, the workshops form a lively creative hub throughout the festival.
Sponsored by Camelicious, the festival’s Majlis offers visitors a traditional Emirati meeting space with panoramic mountain views, allowing guests to connect in a culturally rich setting.
The Brand Dubai Store returns, offering festival-themed souvenirs and creative products inspired by more than ten artists, with over 25 distinctive artworks available for purchase.
TV coverage and evening highlights
The Main Stage, positioned along Leem Lake, will host more than 100 performances, including popular TV programmes presented by Dubai Media’s Sama Dubai TV. The venue accommodates 500 spectators and features a mix of cultural and family-friendly entertainment.
At night, Leem Lake’s bridges are transformed into glowing art installations, with dynamic lighting inspired by Hatta’s heritage and natural beauty, providing a visually striking addition to the festival grounds.