Dubai: H.H. 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), today announced the Hewi Dubai initiative, marking a bold new vision for public spaces in Dubai. The initiative seeks to revive the vibrant spirit of the traditional Emirati fareej (neighbourhood) in a modern, human-centric way by creating new community spaces that strengthen social bonds and promote an active lifestyle.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of community bonds, stating that they are core values Emirati families are raised on. He expressed the need to pass these values to future generations by designing 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.
He further elaborated that these new spaces are intended to be vibrant extensions of cultural identity and future aspirations. They aim to reflect values and redefine what public spaces mean to Dubai, moving away from conventional designs.
As part of the initiative, Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 will be developed by DFF in partnership with Dubai Municipality. It represents a new model for public space creation, co-designed with residents, informed by comprehensive data, and grounded in culture. Located between a mosque and a residential neighbourhood in Nad Al Sheba 4, the site was chosen for its walking-friendly vibe and natural sense of community. The park aims to move away from one-size-fits-all spaces, focusing instead on comfort, belonging, and the rhythms of everyday life.
The park includes thoughtfully crafted elements to reflect community needs and values. A shaded gathering area near the mosque, known as Al Decha, is designed to bring generations together, offering a calm retreat where elders can share stories over Arabic coffee or tea. Al Saaha, a flexible indoor-outdoor space, accommodates community events, workshops, and celebrations, inviting neighbours to take ownership and host moments reflecting their lives and values.
For families, Al Yalsa provides a comfortable seating area overlooking the children's play zone, 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.