The recent launch of the Hatta Winter 2024 initiative, under the supervision of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, has invigorated a range of small and emerging businesses to present their distinctive offerings to visitors from across the UAE and around the world. These pioneering businesses are receiving active support to explore fresh growth opportunities and improve their visibility and market presence through this year’s event, which is part of broader efforts to promote entrepreneurship in Dubai.
Role of Brand Dubai
Brand Dubai, the innovative branch of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has played a crucial role in enabling a promising group of entrepreneurs to take part in the event, allowing them to showcase their products and ventures to the influx of residents and visitors attending five captivating festivals throughout Hatta as part of the initiative.
Showcase of emerging ventures
The Hatta Winter showcase features 30 projects from members of Brand Dubai’s Proudly from Dubai initiative. This initiative aims to support aspiring ventures by emerging entrepreneurs, offering them avenues for growth, development, and expansion.
Read more: UAE launches annual tourism campaign, the ‘Most Beautiful Winter in the World’
Celebrating local innovation
Proudly from Dubai celebrates the success stories of businesses that have originated in Dubai, highlighting the innovation and creativity that are shaping the emirate’s entrepreneurial landscape. Brand Dubai is further dedicated to involving an increasing number of members from its expanding Proudly from Dubai network in significant events throughout the year, aiming to enhance awareness and promote their products.
Khawla Al Hashemi, member of the Organising Committee of the Hatta Winter Festival, said: “The Hatta Winter initiative represents an ideal opportunity for entrepreneurs who are members of Proudly from Dubai to showcase their diverse and innovative products to a larger audience from all over the UAE and beyond. Last year, the event welcomed over 500,000 visitors from the UAE and the Gulf region, creating a significant market and an ideal opportunity for such enterprises, with a sizeable number of them led by young entrepreneurs from the Hatta region. We see this as strong validation for the local economy in addition to the region’s significant tourism potential. The continued success of the event aligns with the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, collectively benefiting local communities.”
Support for entrepreneurs
Al Hashemi added: “We foster strong relationships with all members of the Proudly from Dubai network, and we are committed to providing them with every form of support. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with entrepreneurs from around the UAE looking to expand their business or achieve greater visibility. Through our media expertise, we strive to create all the necessary conditions to spotlight ambitious, determined talents and assist them in achieving their goals.”
Participating entrepreneurs expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, Brand Dubai, and all partner entities involved in organizing the Hatta Winter initiative. They emphasized their commitment to being reliable partners in creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. They conveyed their appreciation for the opportunity to be part of an extraordinary event that has rapidly become a major tourist attraction, not only in Dubai but throughout the UAE and beyond.
Variety of products and culinary delights
This year, the 30 participating entrepreneurs are showcasing an array of products, including textiles, fabrics, apparel, and accessories, as well as elegant and aesthetically crafted artifacts and ethnic items. Also, coffee enthusiasts can indulge in a diverse selection of flavors and styles, from hot and iced brews to matcha variants served in innovative ways.
Additionally, fans of Asian cuisine can savor delightful offerings at various participating restaurants. Also, the food selection from Proudly from Dubai outlets features unique burger recipes, freshly baked treats, pastries, and a range of desserts.
Heritage-inspired products
Moreover, ten enterprises under the ‘Projects of Emirati Families Products’ initiative are taking part in the Hatta Winter Festival. These exceptional entrepreneurs from the Hatta region will showcase the creativity of Emirati heritage through their unique products, enriching local culture and supporting the community economy in Hatta.
The showcased products range from luxurious Emirati and oriental perfumes and high-quality incense blends to elegant traditional jalabiyas that blend modern style with authentic Emirati heritage. The festival will also feature handcrafted traditional women’s attire (makhawir) inspired by Emirati culture. The festival organizers are dedicated to supporting these family businesses, allowing visitors to enjoy high-quality local products rooted in genuine Emirati traditions.
Shuttle services available
Furthermore, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, a partner in the Hatta Winter initiative, is enhancing the event by providing the ‘Hatta Express’ bus service, with 14 daily trips from Dubai directly to Hatta. RTA has also allocated over 1,100 parking spaces specifically for the event. To transport visitors from parking areas to event venues, 17 buses are in operation, along with shuttle buses that ferry attendees to the summit of the Hatta Dam area.
