Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has announced the successful conclusion of the HattaWinter initiative activities, which drew 2 million visitors from across the UAE and the wider region. Held under the directives and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the initiative invited residents and visitors to explore the unique experiences offered by the mountainous region during the cooler months of the year. Hatta Winter, organised under the supervision of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, ran as part of the #DubaiDestinations campaign, and featured six festivals: the Hatta Winter Festival organised by Brand Dubai; Hatta Cultural Nights presented by Dubai Culture; the Hatta Honey Festival and Hatta Farming Festival organised by Dubai Municipality; Hatta Wadi Hub Festival led by DET; and the Hatta Unites Us Festival organised by the Community Development Authority.
Over the course of more than a month, the event attracted over 2 million visitors and featured a series of festivals delivered in collaboration with key partners, offering a wide range of cultural, entertainment and community activities. Hatta Winter further enhanced Hatta’s reputation as a must-visit destination, celebrated for its natural beauty and rich heritage.
Hatta Winter was a collaborative effort involving key government partners, including the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Various semi-government and private entities also contributed to the initiative.
On the occasion, Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said that the success of #HattaWinter in achieving its objectives under the Dubai Destinations campaign reflects ongoing efforts to highlight Dubai’s diverse attractions.
She explained that the exceptional turnout across the festival’s activities demonstrates Hatta Winter’s effectiveness in showcasing the area’s unique natural environment, and cultural heritage and rich history. This strong response, she added, underscores the importance of building on this momentum in future seasons by developing experiences that match the high levels of interest and engagement shown by residents and visitors alike.
Al Suwaidi also praised the collaboration with Hatta Winter’s partners, emphasising their significant contribution to the festival’s success and to promoting Hatta as a destination distinguished by its natural diversity, cultural legacy and historical landmarks.
Amina Taher, Member of the Hatta Festival Organising Committee, said the success of this year’s edition of the event reflected months of coordination among teams and partners to deliver a safe and integrated experience for visitors from within the UAE and abroad.
She added that the enhanced programme and broader community participation further strengthened Hatta’s position as a leading winter destination, while reinforcing the festival’s role in supporting local talent, entrepreneurs and productive families, and promoting sustainable economic and social impact.
Alongside the strong turnout for the #HattaWinter initiative, the creative content, including videos, photos and news coverage, received extensive engagement across social media and online platforms. The campaign elicited 2.4 billion views, including 32 million views for videos posted about the festival. In addition, more than 1,500 news stories were published across newspapers, television and online outlets, with around 60 percent originating from within the UAE.
Among more than 30 unique activities, highlights included “Cooking and Camping,” “Star Photography,” and a traditional life experience at Hatta farms designed for children, offering a fun and engaging way to explore heritage practices.
The festival featured a wide range of activities that blended entertainment and education, with over 150 workshops and more than 30 events for visitors of all ages.
