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 the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), attended the opening of Hewi Nad Al Sheba on Thursday.
The space is the first to launch under the Hewi Dubai initiative. Hewi is an Emirati term for an outdoor home space where family or neighbours gather – a place rooted in belonging, connection, and life within the fareej’ (neighbourhood).
Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Future Foundation, and Ferjan Dubai collaborated to develop the initiative. The project aims to create community spaces that strengthen bonds, encourage outdoor activity, support families and their businesses, and bring residents of all ages together.
Hewi Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan opens first fareej-inspired community space in Dubai
“We launched the ‘Hewi Dubai’ initiative to preserve the legacy of the traditional Emirati ‘fareej’ that our parents and grandparents grew up in – an environment that played a defining role in shaping their values and strengthening social cohesion. Through ‘Hewi Dubai’, we seek to connect the past with the present and the future, so that our children can experience the sense of belonging and togetherness that has long defined Emirati society,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement.
“The quality of life of Dubai’s residents will remain among our top priorities and the North Star that guides our initiatives. Through ‘Hewi Dubai’, we aim to provide open community spaces that welcome senior citizens in calm and comfortable settings, while offering children a safe recreational environment that helps shape their social and cultural awareness,” he added.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and Deputy Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, attended the opening.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, and other officials were also present.
Hewi Nad Al Sheba in Dubai to connect past and future
Hewi Nad Al Sheba offers an open community space that encourages residents to come together and engage in movement, interaction, and connection across all age groups. Zones have been designed for use by children, adults, and senior citizens. The approach aims to strengthen bonds between neighbours and families and support interaction.
The site incorporates plants such as sidr and tamarisk trees. Materials include limestone, rammed earth, and sand. The design minimises the use of concrete and turf.
Hewi Nad Al Sheba includes spaces designed to serve different needs. Al Decha is a gathering area near the mosque. Al Saaha is a space that enables neighbours to host meetings, celebrations, and events. Al Yalsa provides seating for parents to relax while keeping an eye on their children near the play area. The site features a walking path.
A programme of activities has been organised to mark the opening. An art exhibition showcases photographs and illustrations of Emirati figures and milestones, presented in collaboration with the Erth Dubai initiative.
The Al Decha area will feature Emirati games, enabling senior citizens to share these experiences with younger generations. The programme includes activities for children, pop-up retail and craft workshops by Nad Al Sheba residents, and sports activities for all ages, with a focus on health and wellbeing.
