New camping experience by Brand Dubai unveiled at Hatta Festival 2025
Nature-based programme blends learning, heritage and outdoor exploration
DUBAI – Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has organised a new camping experience in the Hatta Mountains as part of the community-focused programme of the Hatta Festival 2025.
The initiative brought together participants of different age groups for a series of outdoor, educational and cultural activities set against one of Dubai’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
The experience reflects ongoing efforts to highlight Hatta as a destination for eco and sustainable tourism.
Exploring nature
The camping programme began with the gathering of more than 50 participants near Suhaila Lakes, a key natural landmark in Hatta. The opening activity featured a guided hiking tour led by environmental researcher Sultan Al Balushi, who introduced participants to the region’s unique terrain, wildlife and geological formations. The hike combined physical activity with environmental learning, offering insights into biodiversity and conservation practices in mountainous ecosystems.
The session aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the natural environment while reinforcing sustainability concepts in an accessible and engaging format. Families, young adults and outdoor enthusiasts took part, reflecting the festival’s inclusive community focus.
Night sky learning
As evening approached, participants returned to the lakeside area to select camping spots and set up tents. The night programme included an interactive astronomy lecture supported by visual presentations, followed by a competition challenging participants to identify stars and understand their visibility at different times of the month.
A live stargazing session followed, led by professional Emirati photographer Yousef Al Qasimi. The session explored the historical relationship between ancestors and the stars, particularly their use in navigation and determining travel timings. Against Hatta’s clear night sky, participants experienced a blend of scientific knowledge and cultural heritage.
Wildlife documentation
Photography enthusiasts later joined a specialised wildlife documentation workshop conducted by Emirati photographer Abdulla Alhattawi. The session introduced participants to bird and animal species native to the Hatta Mountains and demonstrated professional techniques for capturing wildlife in natural conditions. Participants applied these skills on site, producing images that reflected the area’s ecological diversity.
The camping experience forms part of the Hatta Festival 2025 and aligns with the #DubaiDestinations campaign, which promotes Dubai’s natural and tourism assets while encouraging residents and visitors to engage with local environments through responsible and sustainable experiences.