Dubai: In a remarkable nod to both tradition and progress, the 3,000-year-old village of Hatta is set to transform into a vibrant hub of cultural and recreational festivity with the launch of the 'Hatta Winter' initiative, commencing this Friday.

This 40-day celebration is a strategic component of the Dubai Destinations campaign, crafted to reveal the multifaceted allure of this Emirate gem, warmly welcomed by both residents and international tourists.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, envisions this as a seminal step towards elevating Hatta into a premier destination.

Under the stewardship of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta and operational expertise of Brand Dubai, the initiative is a confluence of efforts from major partners like RTA, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture, Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

The festival season will be punctuated by five major festivals, including the much-anticipated Hatta Festival, spanning from December 13, 2024, to January 22, 2025.

Encompassing a spectrum from agricultural showcases to honey festivals, cultural nights, and the celebrated 'Hatta x DSF', the ambitions of these events were highlighted at a recent press briefing in Dubai.

Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council and Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, articulated the initiative’s alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

"Hatta Winter not only reveals the region's innate winter beauty but also underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing sustainable tourism and invigorating local economic landscapes," Mona remarked.

The Hatta Festival, poised to outshine last year's success, expects to double its audience to 1 million visitors.

Hosted at the picturesque Leem Lake, this event promises 120 workshops, a kaleidoscope of activities, and performances that pay homage to the region's cultural wealth.

Visitors will experience innovative mountain projection mapping, exquisite culinary ventures, and the distinctive 'Proudly from Dubai Market'.

The Hatta Honey Festival, brought to fruition by Dubai Municipality from December 27-31, celebrates Emirati beekeepers.

It serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing 51 local artisans of honey and enhancing industry expertise.

From January 18-22, the Agricultural Festival aims to fortify the Emirati agricultural sphere, providing pivotal support to 25 exhibitors and emphasizing sustainable farming practices, thereby bolstering the UAE’s strategic food security plans.

The cultural heartbeat of the region will resonate through Hatta Cultural Nights, featuring captivating installations like Shaikha Al Mazrou’s ‘Deliberate Pauses’—part of Dubai Culture’s Public Art Strategy.

Additionally, diverse recreational opportunities ensure engagement for every itinerary, from mountain biking and hiking to dynamic aquatic sports.

' Hatta x DSF', celebrating the 30th Dubai Shopping Festival anniversary, will elevate the excitement with effervescent light displays and memorable performances, seamlessly complementing the robust calendar of events until January 5, culminating in weekly fireworks.

Public infrastructure has not been overlooked; the RTA ensures seamless navigation with 'Hop On Hop Off' tours and the Hatta Express service, augmenting visitor convenience with 1,100 parking spaces and 17 buses dedicated to internal and event site transit.

As part of this evolutionary journey, Dubai continues to carve its narrative as a city that harmonizes heritage with visionary strides, positioning itself prominently on the global tourism stage.