It’s no secret that the UAE has a rich heritage and culture. Ever since its inception in 1971, it has continued to transform from a desert oasis and fishing village to now multicultural metropolitan hub. However, it’s important to keep its culture alive and take pride in the long heritage. So, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Crown Prince of Dubai and the Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, launched Hewi Dubai. Here’s all you need to know about this new initiative by the Crown Prince that aims to revive the spirit of Emirati traditions in Dubai neighbourhoods.
Sheikh Hamdan Launches Hewi Dubai
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
Hewi, for those who are wondering, translates to identity and belonging. And this initiative is exactly what it says, it’s about the Emirati identity. Taking to X, Sheikh Hamdan shared that he has launched this initiative to revive spirit of the traditional Emirati neighbourhood. Yes, bringing them to contemporary public spaces, this initiative is in line with the ‘Year of Community’. Not to mention, it also aims to bring people together while strengthening social ties and creating a safe and welcoming environment.
It Will Be Launched At Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4
As it happens, this initiative will be launched at Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4. There, it will be bringing the spirit of tradition and neighbourhood into a more contemporary context. After this, it will be brought to the neighbourhood by neighbourhood, bringing life to different corners of Dubai. In the video posted by his highness, his message is seen playing in the background while children can be seen laughing in the old Emirati neighbourhood. With the sites of beautiful pink bougainvillea, which is one of the most popular plants in the UAE, this video truly feels nostalgic.
A collaboration between Dubai Future Foundation and Dubai municipality, it’s truly been bringing the core Emirati values to a more contemporary setting. Bringing its spirit to the neighbourhoods of Dubai, this project is expected to be completed within one year. So, what do you think about this development in Dubai?
Cover Image Courtesy: X/HamdanMohammed
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