Transforming Public Areas to Foster Community Bonding: Launch of 'Hewi Dubai' by Hamdan bin Mohammed
The Hewi Dubai Revolution: A Modern Twist on Emirati Customs
Crown Prince H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with his fingers dipped in professional hats — as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) — has launched a game-changing initiative called Hewi Dubai.
Sheikh Hamdan sees Hewi Dubai as the key to preserving and passing on the deep communal values that Emirati families hold dear.
This audacious endeavor is all about crafting inviting, multi-functional public areas which foster social connections, promote active lifestyles, and mirror Dubai's rich cultural identity.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized his desire to revolutionize urban design, focusing on people and their heritage, the lifeblood of Dubai's evolution.
The first Hewi Dubai model, Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4, is a collaboration between DFF and Dubai Municipality. This site, nestled between a mosque and a residential community in Nad Al Sheba 4, was chosen for its walkability and authentic neighborhood vibe.
Unlike standard parks, Hewi Nad Al Sheba 4 is designed with local residents, tailored to their daily lives. It boasts spaces like Al Decha, a shaded social haven for seniors, Al Saaha, a versatile venue for local get-togethers, and Al Yalsa, a family-oriented zone overlooking a play area for kids.
A network of winding paths and naturally-inspired play zones encourages mobility and interaction across age groups, breathing new life into the old Emirati culture within modern Dubai. The initiative signifies a leap in urban spaces that embody warmth, inclusivity, and the ever-changing essence of Dubai.
Sources: Emirates News Agency and Additional Insights
In this groundbreaking initiative, Hewi Dubai empowers the youth and fosters community interaction by reimagining public spaces in Dubai. Hewi Dubai takes inspiration from the Emirati "hewi," the front garden of a home, historically a place for family gatherings and social activities[1][2][3].
The key objectives of Hewi Dubai include:
- Strengthening Social Ties: Hewi Dubai strives to bring people together, creating safe, welcoming environments for community life by encouraging social interaction in shared spaces reminiscent of traditional Emirati hewis[3][4].
- Preserving Cultural Heritage: By blending traditional Emirati values with modern urban design, Hewi Dubai aims to preserve the cultural significance of hewis while adapting them to contemporary public spaces, making the spaces more inclusive and culturally deep[2][3].
- Sustainability & Innovation: Hewi Dubai aligns with Dubai's goals of sustainable and innovative urban development, contributing to its vision of a city leading the way in modern, community-driven living[1][5].
In essence, Hewi Dubai aims to revive the spirit of traditional Emirati neighborhoods through modern, people-centric public spaces, making sure cultural heritage is cherished while embracing innovation and sustainability.
In the spirit of preserving Emirati traditions while looking towards the future, Hewi Dubai aims to redefine community lifestyle by transforming public spaces into vibrant, sustainable, and culturally rich home-and-garden-inspired social hubs, fostering collaboration and strengthening the bonds within the community. This revolutionary approach to urban design, echoing the spirit of Emirati hewi, aims to create a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects Dubai's diverse identity while reflecting the heritage of its people.
Expanding the vision of home-and-garden spaces as a beacon for community interaction, Hewi Dubai promises a future where cultural heritage, sustainability, and modern innovation walk together, infusing the lifestyle of Dubai with warmth and inclusivity, as the city continues to evolve.
