His Highness 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 the Dubai Future Foundation, announced today the launch of the Hewi Dubai initiative.
In line with the Year of Community, this new initiative aims to “revive the spirit of traditional Emirati neighborhoods through contemporary public spaces,” said Sheikh Hamdan. These public spaces aim to bring people together, strengthen social ties and create safe, welcoming environments for community life.
The Hewi Dubai initiative aims to enhance daily communication between all members of the community, allowing them to host their gatherings, events and celebrations in a comfortable and safe environment.
Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 first to launch
Sheikh Hamdan added that Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4, a collaboration with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Future Foundation, will be the first to launch under the Hewi Dubai initiative, with a clear target: To bring the spirit of traditional Emirati neighborhoods into a contemporary context. The project is set to be completed within one year.
“Social connection is part of our heritage — a timeless value we must preserve so future generations can experience the same strong sense of community,” Sheikh Hamdan added.
He added, “Community cohesion is one of the most prominent values ​​on which Emirati families were raised, and we must instill these values ​​in the souls of our children so they can experience what their fathers and grandfathers experienced.”
Dubai launches key community initiatives
In addition to launching the Hewi Dubai initiative, Sheikh Hamdan unveiled last month the MyDubai Communities, a community-oriented digital platform that enables citizens, residents and visitors to explore and engage in the wide array of activities that the city offers. This new platform aims to enhance the social fabric of Dubai while promoting the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence for which the city is renowned.
The platform represents an evolution of the popular #MyDubai initiative, originally launched in 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed to celebrate the daily lives of individuals in the emirate and highlight their diverse experiences and adventures.
Accessible via mydubaicommunities.com and featured on @mydubaicommunities on Instagram and TikTok, the centralized MyDubai Communities platform is designed to unite various communities—from arts and culture to sports, wellness and various professional sectors—under one organized, activity-based umbrella. Its launch coincides with the UAE’s celebration of 2025 as the Year of Community, which seeks to strengthen community bonds by creating inclusive spaces that promote collaboration, belonging and shared experiences.
In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, also enacted Law No. (5) of 2025 concerning Public Health in Dubai last month. This pivotal law establishes a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing public health and safeguarding community and environmental well-being. The focus is on disease prevention, healthcare, food and product safety, and sustainable initiatives designed to improve overall quality of life.
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The Year of Community
The launch of the Hewi Dubai falls in line with the UAE’s Year of Community. This year, the UAE aims to strengthen family and community bonds by preserving cultural heritage, nurturing intergenerational ties and creating inclusive spaces that foster collaboration, belonging and shared experiences. It also encourages all who call the UAE home to actively contribute to society through community service, volunteering and impactful initiatives, promoting a culture of shared responsibility and driving collective progress.
In addition, the Year of Community seeks to unlock the potential and capabilities of individuals, families and organizations in the UAE by developing skills, nurturing talents and fostering innovation in fields such as entrepreneurship and emerging industries, including artificial intelligence, alongside other UAE national priorities, to enable inclusive growth and long-lasting positive impact.
