Explained: Hamdan bin Mohammed’s ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiatives

Dubai: New public spaces will be created in Dubai to encourage community gathering in line with the Emirati traditions.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), unveiled the ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiative, a bold vision set to transform public spaces across the city.

The initiative’s core aim is to breathe new life into the traditional Emirati fareej — the tight-knit, family-focused neighbourhoods that have long been central to Emirati culture — by designing spaces that strengthen social connections, promote healthy living, and celebrate the city’s heritage.

“Community bonds are fundamental to Emirati values, and it is essential that we preserve and pass on these traditions to future generations,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

“Our new public spaces will not be conventional; they will serve as vibrant extensions of our cultural identity, fostering places where families can meet, elders can connect, and children can form cherished memories in a welcoming and safe environment,” he explained.

Major steps

The first major step in the ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiative is the development of Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4, a park designed in collaboration with Dubai Municipality. Located between a mosque and a residential area in Nad Al Sheba 4, the park is conceived as a model for future neighbourhood spaces, informed by data and co-designed with local residents. It moves away from the typical one-size-fits-all approach to parks, instead creating spaces that reflect the specific needs and values of the surrounding community.

Redefining public spaces

The park embodies a shift towards people-focused designs, emphasising comfort, social interaction, and the natural rhythms of daily life. The site, chosen for its walkability and established sense of community, will become a gathering place that blends the old and new, encouraging connection across generations.

Al Decha and Al Saaha

Signature spaces within the park reflect the area’s cultural and social dynamics. Al Decha, a shaded gathering area near the mosque, is designed as a space where elders can meet over a cup of Arabic coffee or tea, sharing stories and experiences with the younger generation. Al Saaha, a versatile indoor-outdoor space, will host community events, workshops, and celebrations, providing a platform for neighbours to create and shape their own social experiences.

Al Yasla

For families, Al Yalsa offers a comfortable seating area that overlooks a dedicated children’s play zone, creating a relaxed space for both relaxation and informal gatherings. Meandering paths and nature-inspired play areas further encourage exploration, physical activity, and connection, making the park not just a public space but a living, breathing part of the neighbourhood.