The Hatta Festival returns with over 150 activities, glowing lake installations and family attractions. BRAND DUBAI

If winter in Dubai had a heart, it would beat in Hatta. Surrounded by rugged mountains and the calm waters of Leem Lake, the Hatta Festival is back with its most vibrant edition yet—and it's designed so every family member finds something to love. Running until December 28, the festival transforms its three-hectare lakefront into a creative playground. By day, families wander through cultural exhibits, community workshops, artisanal stalls, and outdoor experiences that showcase Hatta’s heritage. By night, the bridges across Leem Lake turn into glowing art installations, lighting up the water in shifting colours inspired by the area’s history and landscape. On the festival’s Main Stage, more than 100 live shows unfold—including popular programmes from Sama Dubai TV. With a capacity of 500, the venue becomes a cosy amphitheatre where culture, music, and storytelling flow from morning until late evening. Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, says the programme was crafted “with inclusivity and diversity in mind to provide a memorable family experience for visitors of all ages.” Hatta’s homegrown community plays a starring role. Amina Taher from the Organising Committee highlighted how local entrepreneurs are showcasing handmade goods, fresh baked treats, and Hatta-grown products on the Proudly from Dubai platform, an effort that supports small businesses and boosts sustainable growth. Kids get their own wonderland, too. The festival debuts a mini zoo, along with giant board games, creative workshops, a Winter Games Zone, bumper cars, bungee adventures, and even a new Hatta-themed Escape Room that puts teamwork to the test. More than 150 workshops, from star photography to traditional farm life, bring hands-on learning outdoors with the mountains as a backdrop. And for dessert lovers, Home Bakery brings its cult-favourite sweets straight to Hatta. In short, it’s the ultimate winter escape: mountains, creativity, culture, and heartwarming community spirit. Everything that makes Hatta feel like a world of its own. CAM/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page Meta Description: The Hatta Festival returns with over 150 workshops, glowing lake installations, a mini zoo, cultural shows, and homegrown businesses. The event runs until December 28 at Leem Lake