His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), has launched a new community-driven initiative called Hewi Dubai, aiming to revive the vibrant social spirit of traditional Emirati fareej or neighbourhoods through thoughtfully designed public spaces.
The initiative was announced under the umbrella of the DFF and focusses on building spaces that bring families, neighbours, and generations together, offering a modern, inclusive twist to the traditional neighbourhood model.
The first project under this initiative, Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4, is a park being developed by DFF in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, set to be complete within a year. The park is set in a pedestrian-friendly area between a mosque and a residential community, selected specifically for its existing sense of connection and walkability.
Designed with input from residents, the space includes:
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Al Decha: A shaded gathering area near the mosque for elders to come together, talk, and enjoy Arabic coffee or tea.
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Al Saaha: A flexible indoor-outdoor space for community events, celebrations, and workshops.
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Al Yalsa: A family-friendly seating area overlooking a children’s play zone, ideal for relaxation and informal meetings.
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Nature-based play areas and walking paths: Encouraging intergenerational connection, exploration, and movement.
This is a clear shift away from generic parks to tailored neighbourhood spaces that reflect local needs, values, and daily life. As such, the Hewi Dubai initiative promises a new era of human-centric urban planning, where community interaction and cultural identity are at the heart of development.