Dubai’s mountain region is gearing up for another busy season as Hatta Winter returns with an expanded two-month schedule. The new edition, running from 5 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, brings together cultural evenings, food pop-ups, sports events, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly spaces spread across Hatta’s scenic landscape.
The programme sits under the wider Dubai Destinations initiative and was announced during a dedicated press briefing that outlined new festival dates, participating organisations, and updates tied to the region’s long-term development plan. With its cooler weather, lakeside views, and mountain backdrop, Hatta continues to grow as a preferred winter escape for residents looking for nature-driven experiences away from the city.
A Full Winter Season With Six Major Festivals
This year brings six key festivals under the Hatta Winter umbrella, each offering something different for visitors.
#HattaFestival at Leem Lake
From 5 to 28 December, the festival brings installations, food stalls, family areas, and outdoor seating overlooking the lake. Brand Dubai will also feature several homegrown concepts under the “Proudly from Dubai” initiative.
Hatta Honey Festival
Running from 27 to 31 December, this festival highlights the region’s honey tradition. Fifty Emirati beekeepers will take part, offering tastings, product displays, and workshops.
Hatta Agricultural Festival
Set for 16 to 20 January 2026 at Leem Lake, this event showcases the work of local farmers. Visitors can explore regional produce, learn about farming techniques, and join hands-on agriculture sessions.
Hatta Cultural Nights
Taking place from 20 December 2025 to 1 January 2026 at Hatta Heritage Village, the programme features traditional performances, a children’s theatre, innovation zones, and an open-air cinema with heritage-led content.
Productive Families Festival – Hatta Brings Us Together
From 5 to 28 December at Al Wadi Park, around thirty families will offer handmade items ranging from perfumes and clothing to crafts and food. Workshops will support home-based entrepreneurs with new skills.
Hatta Wadi Hub Festival
Running throughout the full season from 5 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, this festival expands its adventure-focused activities with illuminated evening trails, sky-dining, an outdoor cinema, and candle-lit nights with live music.
An Expanded Role for Small Businesses and Community Talent
Brand Dubai highlighted that this edition places a stronger emphasis on community-driven activities. Thirty small businesses from the “Proudly from Dubai” initiative will join the line-up, several of which are based in Hatta. Visitors can expect a mix of creative workshops, photography sessions along the mountain viewpoints, camping areas, and seasonal dining pop-ups.
The goal is to create a relaxed setting where families can enjoy the cooler weather, discover small local brands, and explore the mountain trails without the usual pace of city life.
Infrastructure and Mobility Upgrades for a Smoother Visitor Experience
The Roads and Transport Authority confirmed progress on Hatta’s long-term development plan, which involves 74 projects across mobility, tourism services, and infrastructure.
Of these, 48 projects have been completed, and 26 remain underway.
To support the expected visitor turnout during Hatta Winter, RTA will provide:
- 1,059 parking spaces
- 65 valet spaces
- 14 daily Dubai Mall–Hatta bus trips
- 8 internal shuttle buses
- 600+ mobility staff, including traffic and crowd management teams
Dubai Police will also assign teams across festival zones to maintain smooth traffic flow and ensure visitor safety throughout weekends and peak evenings.
Cultural, Sports, and Outdoor Highlights From Partner Entities
Hatta Honey Festival
Workshops will guide both visitors and producers through honey-making practices and the importance of local beekeeping.
Hatta Agricultural Festival
Farmers will present fresh produce and lead activities focused on farming techniques and sustainability in mountain environments.
Hatta Cultural Nights
Visitors can expect traditional arts, live performances, storytelling sessions, children’s theatre, and a cinema under the open sky.
Productive Families Festival
Families will offer traditional food, clothing, perfumes, and handicrafts, giving the festival a warm community feel.
Sports Programming
Dubai Sports Council’s schedule includes mountain-bike races, hiking events, the Women’s Epic Race, and Ultra Trail Dubai.
Hatta Wadi Hub Festival
Outdoor lovers can look forward to scenic night trails, adventure activities, sky dining, and live music evenings.
Media coverage will run throughout the festival period, with Sama Dubai TV broadcasting from Hatta daily and sharing updates from each zone.
Read More:
- Dubai’s 2026 LitFest Returns Bigger, Bolder, and More Global – Social Kandura
- Dubai’s 3-Day Super Sale Just Got Bigger — Now Running Until December 2 – Social Kandura
For more updates on winter events, things to do, and Dubai’s latest happenings, follow Social Kandura for fresh guides and city stories.
