Sheikh Hamdan launches Hewi Dubai public spaces initiative
A new initiative, which aims to revive the vibrant spirit of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods, has been launched in Dubai.
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 the Hewi Dubai initiative on Monday May 5.
Public and community spaces in the emirate will be inspired by lively traditional Emirati fareej (neighbourhoods) in a modern and human-centric way.
The initiative aims to promote an active lifestyle among residents while also strengthening social bonds with the wider community.
Sheikh Hamdan said that he hopes the new spaces will help neighbours get to know each other better.
He said: '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 neighbours together, where families can gather, elders can meet, and children can create endearing memories in a safe and welcoming environment.'
'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.'
In line with the Year of Community, I launched today, the Hewi Dubai initiative, a new initiative to revive the spirit of traditional Emirati neighbourhoods through contemporary public spaces that bring people together, strengthen social ties, and create safe, welcoming… pic.twitter.com/tediYAFyVm
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 5, 2025
As part of the Hewi Dubai initiative, Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 will be developed with this new policy in mind.
The public space will be co-designed with residents, informed by comprehensive data and grounded in culture. It will be developed by DFF in partnership with Dubai Municipality.
The site of Hew Nad Al Sheba 4 sits between a residential neighbourhood in Nad Al Sheba 4 and a mosque. It was chosen for its walking-friendly vibe and natural sense of community.
It is hoped that this public park will see a shift away from one-size-fits-all spaces to a new generation of neighbourhood parks that prioritise comfort, belonging and the rhythms of everyday life.
The official logo of the UAE Year of Community (Credit: WAM)
The initiative in Nad Al Sheba will have a shaded gathering area near the mosque called Al Decha, which will be designed to bring generations together and offer a calm retreat for elders to share stories over Arabic coffee or tea.
A flexible indoor-outdoor space called Al Saaha will be designed to accommodate community events, workshops and celebrations.
A family area called Al Yalsa will provide comfortable seating which overlooks a children's play zone.
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.
The Hewi Dubai initiative is part of the ongoing Year of Community in the UAE.
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