Dubai has long been known as a city of ambition and innovation. Yet at its heart lies something deeper — a profound respect for heritage, faith, and community. The Season of Wulfa is a citywide initiative that brings these values to the forefront, celebrating cultural and religious traditions while strengthening the social fabric of the emirate.
Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the initiative reflects a broader vision: building a cohesive society grounded in authentic Emirati, Arab, and Islamic values.
Led and overseen by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Season of Wulfa serves as a platform for unity, shared identity, and collective celebration.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Identity
The Season of Wulfa was conceived as more than a series of events. It is a structured, purposeful initiative designed to celebrate distinctive cultural occasions while reinforcing the values that define Emirati society.
At its core are three guiding pillars: Reflection, Connection, and Blessing. Each pillar represents a dimension of community life deeply embedded in tradition. Reflection encourages individuals and families to pause and reconnect with their spiritual and cultural roots. Connection emphasizes strengthening relationships within families, neighborhoods, and across diverse communities. Blessing celebrates gratitude, generosity, and shared joy during significant religious and cultural occasions.
Through these pillars, the initiative aligns with Dubai’s commitment to fostering social cohesion in a city known for its multicultural character. By embracing traditions while welcoming participation from people of diverse backgrounds, the Season of Wulfa bridges past and present.
Hag Al Laila: A Celebration of Generosity
One of the key milestones under the Season of Wulfa umbrella was the celebration of Hag Al Laila on 15 Sha’ban, corresponding to February 2. This cherished Emirati tradition, observed ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan, is marked by children visiting homes, receiving sweets and treats, and celebrating in traditional attire.
Across more than 30 locations in Dubai, Hag Al Laila events were organized in neighborhoods, markets, and cultural destinations. Families gathered to pass on customs to younger generations, ensuring that traditions remain alive and meaningful.
The celebrations witnessed strong participation from residents of various nationalities and cultural backgrounds, reflecting Dubai’s inclusive spirit. While rooted in Emirati heritage, the events welcomed the wider community to experience and appreciate a tradition that symbolizes generosity and anticipation of Ramadan.
Ramadan in Dubai: Reflection and Spiritual Renewal
As the Holy Month approaches, the Season of Wulfa extends into a broader framework of Ramadan in Dubai initiatives. These programs are carefully aligned with the spiritual essence of Ramadan — a time for introspection, prayer, charity, and family unity.
Under the Reflection pillar, initiatives encourage personal growth and spiritual mindfulness. Community iftars, cultural talks, and educational programs create spaces for dialogue and shared learning. Mosques and public venues become centers not only of worship but also of connection and compassion.
The Connection pillar becomes particularly visible during Ramadan evenings, when families and friends gather to break their fast together. Public spaces are transformed with traditional decorations, lanterns, and cultural performances that blend authenticity with modern vibrancy.
Meanwhile, the Blessing pillar underscores acts of giving. Charitable drives, volunteer initiatives, and community outreach efforts reinforce the importance of generosity — a cornerstone of Islamic tradition.
Eid in Dubai: Shared Joy and Cultural Expression
Following Ramadan, preparations are underway for Eid in Dubai programs that celebrate the vibrancy of community traditions. Eid marks a time of gratitude and festivity, and the Season of Wulfa ensures that the celebrations are both meaningful and inclusive.
Across the city, cultural performances, family-oriented activities, and heritage-inspired events are designed to bring people together. Markets and public spaces become hubs of joy, reflecting the diversity of Dubai’s population while honoring Emirati customs.
Eid initiatives emphasize togetherness — visiting relatives, exchanging greetings, and sharing meals. In doing so, the Season of Wulfa transforms these traditions into citywide experiences that strengthen collective identity.
Collaborative Leadership and Broad Participation
The Season of Wulfa is not limited to cultural programming. It is a coordinated effort involving senior officials and multiple government entities. Meetings chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa have reviewed progress and outcomes, ensuring alignment with the initiative’s goals.
Among those present were leaders representing key institutions across transport, tourism, community development, municipal services, media, education, religious affairs, and innovation sectors. Their collaboration underscores the initiative’s comprehensive approach.
More than 50 initiatives and events are being delivered in partnership with government bodies, the private sector, and local communities. This collaborative model ensures that the Season of Wulfa reaches a broad audience and resonates across different segments of society.
By activating over 30 locations throughout Dubai — from neighborhoods to cultural destinations — the initiative ensures accessibility and visibility. It transforms everyday spaces into arenas of shared experience.
Strengthening Bonds in a Global City
Dubai is home to residents from across the world. While this diversity is a defining strength, initiatives like the Season of Wulfa serve as reminders of the shared values that bind the community together.
By focusing on Reflection, Connection, and Blessing, the initiative nurtures empathy and belonging. It invites long-time Emirati families and expatriate residents alike to participate in traditions that emphasize respect, generosity, and unity.
In a fast-paced global city, moments of pause and celebration become even more significant. The Season of Wulfa creates those moments — spaces where heritage is honored, families reconnect, and communities gather in gratitude.
A Lasting Impact
Beyond individual events, the Season of Wulfa signals a long-term commitment to cultural preservation and social cohesion. It reinforces Dubai’s identity as a city that balances progress with tradition.
By celebrating Hag Al Laila, enhancing Ramadan experiences, and preparing vibrant Eid programs, the initiative weaves together a narrative of shared belonging. It ensures that cultural heritage remains dynamic and relevant, passed from one generation to the next.
At its heart, the Season of Wulfa is about people — families sharing meals, children learning traditions, neighbors exchanging greetings. It is about recognizing that unity is built not only through infrastructure and policy but through shared experiences and values.
In Reflection, communities rediscover their roots. In Connection, they strengthen their bonds. In Blessing, they celebrate gratitude and hope. Through these pillars, the Season of Wulfa stands as a testament to Dubai’s enduring commitment to unity, heritage, and collective pride.
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