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 Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), announced today the Hewi Dubai initiative, marking a bold new vision for public spaces in Dubai.
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. This initiative seeks to revive the vibrant spirit of the traditional Emirati fareej (neighborhood) in a modern, human-centric way by creating new community spaces that strengthen social bonds and promote an active lifestyle.
“Community bonds are among the core values Emirati families are raised on. We must pass on these values to future generations and design public spaces that bring neighbors together, where families can gather, elders can meet and children can create endearing memories in a safe and welcoming environment,” His Highness said.
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.
New model for public spaces
Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 will represent a new model for public space creation, one that is co-designed with residents, informed by comprehensive data and grounded in culture.
Located between a mosque and a residential neighborhood in Nad Al Sheba 4, the site was selected for its walking-friendly vibe and natural sense of community. The park embodies a shift away from one-size-fits-all spaces toward a new generation of neighborhood parks that prioritize comfort, belonging and the rhythms of everyday life.
“These new spaces will be anything but conventional. They are intended as vibrant extensions of our cultural identity and future aspirations, reflecting our values and redefining what public spaces mean to our city,” His Highness added.
Each element of the park has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the needs and values of its surrounding community. A shaded gathering area near the mosque, known as Al Decha, is designed to bring generations together and offers a calm retreat where elders can share stories over Arabic coffee or tea.
Al Saaha, a flexible indoor-outdoor space, has been designed to accommodate community events, workshops and celebrations. The space invites neighbors to take ownership and host moments that reflect their lives and values. For families, Al Yalsa provides a comfortable seating area overlooking the children’s play zone, which is ideal for relaxation, watching over the kids, or informal meetings.
Meandering paths and nature-based play areas encourage exploration, movement and intergenerational bonding, transforming the park into a space that feels both natural and deeply familiar.
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.
