‘Hatta Unites Us’ festival highlights homegrown entrepreneurs driving community growth

The ‘Hatta Unites Us’ festival brings together home-based entrepreneurs, families, senior citizens and people of determination in a community-led event that supports local businesses, preserves heritage and strengthens social ties across the region.

Organised by the Community Development Authority in Dubai, in partnership with Brand Dubai and the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, the festival has evolved into a platform that supports community participation and local economic activity.

This year’s edition brings together 35 homegrown entrepreneurs, offering them space to present their products, interact directly with visitors and build wider market exposure. The festival features a range of goods including traditional food, sweets, perfumes, textiles and handmade crafts.

Several family-led businesses are participating, including one initiative where sisters and a sister-in-law have combined their efforts to operate under a single venture. Their participation highlights how shared business activity can support family cooperation while creating sustainable income.

Another participating business involves a mother who helped her daughters formalise their matcha-based venture by obtaining a commercial licence. The products drew interest from visitors on the opening day, encouraging the young entrepreneurs to pursue further development of their skills.

Beyond commercial activity, the festival has also provided space for social connection. Organisers noted instances where family members reunited after long periods apart and where visitors used the event as an opportunity to reconnect within a community setting.

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said the festival supports home-based entrepreneurs by providing a direct platform to present their work and engage with the public. She said the authority continues to support sustainable business growth through skills development and participation in wider initiatives, including the Hatta Winter program.

The festival also includes contributions from the Sheikha Maitha bint Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for People of Determination, which is showcasing handmade leather goods, pottery, palm weaving, sculpture and other artistic products created by its participants.

Senior citizens are presenting heritage-based items such as Sadu weaving adapted into jewellery, palm weaving products and traditional textiles and garments, reflecting longstanding Emirati craftsmanship.

Volunteers registered with the Community Development Authority, including members of the Nabdh Al Emarat volunteer team, are supporting festival operations by assisting visitors, families and senior citizens across the venue.

Organisers said the festival’s impact extends beyond individual businesses, contributing to family income, tourism activity and the preservation of traditional crafts. Women entrepreneurs form a significant part of the participant group, supporting broader community participation in local economic life.

The Community Development Authority said ‘Hatta Unites Us’ forms part of a wider approach to supporting homegrown entrepreneurs and strengthening long-term opportunities for sustainable growth in the region.

The festival will continue through December, featuring ongoing participation from local businesses and community members across Hatta.