Dubai has launched a major new initiative to revive the social spirit of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods through thoughtfully designed public spaces. The Hewi Dubai initiative, unveiled on May 5 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, will shape parks and community spaces across the emirate to encourage connection, movement, and belonging.
The project will blend cultural heritage with modern needs, reimagining how residents interact with their surroundings. It will create spaces for neighbors to connect, families to gather, and children to play while honoring Emirati values.
In line with the Year of Community, I launched today, the Hewi Dubai initiative, a new initiative to revive the spirit of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods through contemporary public spaces that bring people together, strengthen social ties, and create safe, welcoming… pic.twitter.com/tediYAFyVm
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 5, 2025
Inspired by the traditions of the Emirati fareej
At the heart of the Hewi Dubai initiative is the concept of the fareej, or traditional neighbourhood. These communities were known for their tight-knit social fabric, where people regularly interacted and supported one another.
In this spirit, Sheikh Hamdan shared his vision for the new spaces, saying,
“Community bonds are among the core values Emirati families are raised on. We must pass on these values to future generations and design public spaces that bring neighbours together.”
He emphasized that they are designing the new spaces not as generic parks but as “vibrant extensions of our cultural identity and future aspirations.
First pilot project: Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4
Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4, the first space in this initiative, sits between a residential area and a mosque in Nad Al Sheba 4. Chosen for its natural sense of community and pedestrian-friendly design, this site will serve as a model for future developments.
The Dubai Future Foundation and Dubai Municipality are developing the project with a community-led approach. Residents will actively participate in the design process, shaping the park to reflect the needs and rhythm of everyday life in the neighborhood.
Key features of the Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 park
The park will be divided into several thoughtfully designed areas that encourage connection across generations:
- Al Decha: A shaded seating space near the mosque where elders can gather, share stories, and enjoy Arabic coffee and tea.
- Al Saaha: A flexible space for hosting community events, workshops, and celebrations, connecting indoor and outdoor environments.
- Al Yalsa: A relaxed family area with seating that overlooks a play zone designed for children.
The park will also feature meandering walking paths and nature-based play areas, promoting movement, curiosity, and intergenerational bonding.
A modern step in the UAE Year of Community
The launch of the Hewi Dubai initiative falls within the broader scope of the UAE Year of Community, an ongoing national campaign that places social wellbeing at the centre of development.
This initiative goes beyond beautifying public parks. It aims to bring people together, restore traditional forms of community living, and create safe, welcoming spaces that reflect the identity of the nation.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, each space will be shaped by the local community, with an emphasis on culture, comfort, and long-term usability.
How it supports dubai residents
With the rollout of the Hewi Dubai initiative, residents can expect a shift in how public areas are designed and used. These new spaces will:
- Encourage neighbours to interact and build stronger social ties
- Support healthy, active lifestyles for all age groups
- Provide safe areas for children to play and explore
- Create opportunities for shared experiences through events and storytelling
As the city continues to grow, projects like this highlight the importance of human-focused planning. They also signal Dubai’s commitment to keeping tradition alive, even amid rapid modernisation.
Hewi Dubai is more than a park—it reconnects communities through shared spaces, blending tradition with modern urban design to shape a thriving future.
Residents can look forward to more inclusive and welcoming public areas as the initiative expands across the emirate.
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