Dubai’s Crown Prince has launched the Season of Wulfa initiative to highlight Emirati heritage, strengthen community bonds, and promote cultural values through festivals and inclusive events.

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 Executive Council of Dubai, today launched the Season of Wulfa, a new cultural initiative designed to celebrate the deep roots of Emirati heritage, promote social harmony and share the spirit of community throughout the emirate. The Season of Wulfa Dubai initiative is intended to showcase local customs, highlight intrinsic values of Emirati society, and reinforce Dubai’s role as a global destination for cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), will lead and oversee the programme’s activities. The Season of Wulfa includes more than 50 initiatives and experiences that celebrate values of reflection, connection and blessing, and takes place across more than 30 locations across Dubai, including neighbourhoods, markets and cultural destinations.

Wulfa is a colloquial term rooted in classical Arabic that conveys familiarity, affection and harmony among people. Tied closely to spiritual values, community bonds and local hospitality, Wulfa reflects the warmth and collective identity that unite individuals and families. The activities of the season extend from Hag Al Leila through the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid festivities, embracing traditions that reinforce social cohesion and shared experiences.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said the initiative celebrates the UAE’s community ethos, preserves cultural heritage and deepens a sense of belonging among all members of society. He emphasised that the Season of Wulfa builds bridges between the past and present and creates meaningful shared moments that foster deeper personal and social connections. By bringing individuals closer to their cultural identity in innovative and creative ways, the season invites participation from citizens, residents and visitors alike.

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa added that the events of the Season of Wulfa, including Hag Al Leila, Ramadan, Eid Al‑Fitr and Eid Al‑Adha, embody humanitarian values that promote positive interaction and harmonious coexistence. The season reflects Dubai’s longstanding commitment to cultural inclusivity and tolerance, where nearly 200 nationalities live and contribute to the emirate’s story. By highlighting shared moments of generosity and connection, Wulfa serves as a platform that showcases the authenticity of Emirati culture and distils universal human values.

The Season of Wulfa also provides a space for creative talents and cultural practitioners to share their ideas and enrich community life. Through multi‑sensory experiences that blend heritage with contemporary lifestyles, participants can engage in events that reflect hospitality, history, spirituality and local traditions in ways that resonate with present and future generations. This initiative reinforces Dubai’s position as a model of cultural harmony, social unity and mutual understanding, reaffirming the importance of preserving cultural identity while embracing meaningful interaction.