Immersive Family Adventures Await at 'Shatana in Hatta' Festival Amid Breathtaking Natural Wonders

Dubai's winter festival "Shatana fi Hatta" opens today at Lake Dam in the mountainous Hatta region, running until December 28. The event spans 3 hectares with stunning mountain views and promises a packed program of family activities. Last year's festival drew over 650,000 visitors, making it one of Dubai's most successful seasonal events.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Council, directed the launch of this year's festival as part of the "#Dubai_Destinations" campaign. Brand Dubai, the creative arm of Dubai Government Media Office, is organizing the event.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, says this year's festival builds on the massive success of the previous edition. The planning focused on diversity and inclusivity to support Dubai Urban Plan 2040 goals by highlighting Hatta's tourism and cultural attractions.

The festival site spreads activities across areas suitable for all family members and ages. Al Suwaidi explains the goal is giving people a chance to explore Hatta's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage through experiences that make everyone feel part of a success story focused on improving quality of life.

Complete Family Experience

The festival provides extensive facilities including prayer rooms, restaurants, cafes, parking, and valet services. Multiple retail outlets sell various products, creating an integrated experience that organizers say will be unforgettable, especially during winter season when Hatta sees heavy visitor traffic from inside and outside the UAE.

Amina Taher, member of the organizing committee, notes the event has become a major community occasion that attracts significant interest from Hatta residents, UAE nationals, and Gulf visitors. The timing aligns with school holidays, giving families more opportunities to enjoy the festivities.

The organizing committee designed the festival to combine entertainment and education. The agenda includes over 150 workshops and more than 30 activities for adults and children throughout the festival period.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs

Brand Dubai is showcasing projects from its "Proudly from Dubai" initiative. Thirty projects are participating in this year's festival - half from Hatta entrepreneurs and half from Dubai-area business owners. This highlights their work and promotes their products while supporting business growth opportunities.

The festival includes a "Young Entrepreneur" competition in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation for SME Development. Four participants from Hatta will compete, encouraging entrepreneurship and creativity among young people. The main stage will host over 100 creative shows and episodes from popular television programs.

Special Focus on Children

This year dedicates extensive areas to children with activities designed to bring joy through creative skills workshops. For the first time, the festival includes a mini zoo featuring ponies, deer, goats, falcons, parrots, rabbits, and other animals.

A winter games area adds fun and adventure with interactive experiences for children of all ages. Visitors can test skills on human crane games, rope jumping, or compete in bumper car tracks. The festival also features skill games suitable for adults and children.

A new "Escape Room" adds excitement and fun with games designed specifically for Hatta's winter festival. These combine adventure, teamwork, and problem-solving skills within designs inspired by Hatta's heritage and natural environment.

Giant Games and Workshops

Near the entrance, a "Giant Games Zone" provides a welcoming start to the family event. This innovative approach combines nostalgia with fun through oversized versions of traditional board games like chess, checkers, Connect Four, and snakes and ladders, encouraging families to spend joyful time together.

The workshop area serves as a creative center for children and adults with an agenda full of attractive interactive activities. More than 150 outdoor workshops offer stunning views of Lake Dam and the surrounding festival grounds. Visitors can learn handicrafts and arts inspired by Hatta's natural beauty through expert instruction from local Hatta residents.

"Al Majlis" (The Council), sponsored by Camelicious, provides the perfect place for senior citizens to spend time talking and reminiscing about Hatta while relaxing with charming views of festival activities. The design reflects the distinctive character of traditional Emirati councils.

Creative Lighting and Entertainment

The mountainous area surrounding the festival site features lighting using new and innovative techniques. The bridges crossing Lake Dam will be illuminated with creative lighting and innovative designs inspired by nature and heritage. These bridges transform into glowing pathways with beautiful lights in dynamic patterns and colors.

The main stage sits on Lake Dam shores with simple design inspired by Hatta's mountainous nature and logo. This provides an elegant, peaceful background for exciting shows throughout the festival - over 100 performances and episodes from popular television programs presented by Dubai Media Incorporated, plus many innovative cultural and entertainment shows designed for family visitors. The stage accommodates about 500 audience members.

The Brand Dubai store returns with the festival's new season, offering gift shoppers a large selection of creative products inspired by works from more than 10 artists who created over 25 distinctive artworks available in the store.

Dubai Media Incorporated will provide distinguished television coverage through Sama Dubai satellite channel's studio, which occupies a prime location in the festival's heart for interviews with festival guests.