Dubai Unveils Major Cultural Initiative 'Season of Wulfa'
Dubai has launched a significant new cultural program called the Season of Wulfa. This initiative celebrates Emirati heritage, strengthens community bonds, and honors traditions. The emirate is preparing for the holy period that includes Hag Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially announced the program on January 12, 2026. Sheikh Hamdan serves as Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
What Is the Season of Wulfa?
The Season of Wulfa represents a comprehensive cultural campaign. It celebrates the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of Emirati life. The program extends from Hag Al Leila through the entire month of Ramadan and continues into the Eid festivities.
The word Wulfa comes from Arabic roots related to Ulfa. It signifies affection, closeness, and communal harmony. These concepts form the heart of this initiative's mission.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the initiative aims to preserve traditional values. It seeks to transmit cultural identity and enhance community cohesion. The project brings together people of all backgrounds in shared celebration. It creates a space where past traditions meet the present. This approach enables customs and heritage to be experienced in contemporary, tangible forms.
Three Foundational Values
The Season of Wulfa centers around three core values:
- Reflection: This encourages personal and communal contemplation rooted in spiritual and cultural practices.
- Connection: This strengthens social ties within families, neighborhoods, and across communities.
- Blessing: This expresses generosity, gratitude, and goodwill through shared experiences and hospitality.
These pillars find expression through customs, hospitality, local gatherings, and festive rituals. They deepen bonds between people and strengthen shared identity across Dubai's multicultural population.
Program Scope and Locations
The program will feature more than 50 initiatives. These will take place across over 30 locations throughout Dubai. Venues include neighborhoods, markets, and cultural sites.
The events target residents, citizens, and visitors. They reflect the UAE's ethos of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for all cultures.
These experiences combine heritage activities with artistic expressions. They include spiritual gatherings and contemporary cultural showcases. The program blends the essence of UAE traditions with innovative, interactive cultural platforms. These platforms resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Honoring Tradition from Hag Al Leila to Eid
The Season of Wulfa begins with Hag Al Leila. This Emirati custom occurs on the night of the 15th of Shaʿban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Hag Al Leila features storytelling, community sharing, and preparation for Ramadan with sweets and gatherings.
The season continues throughout Ramadan. Ramadan represents the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It involves fasting, reflection, charity, and prayer. The period culminates in Eid celebrations marked by family reunions, feasts, and joyful festivities.
By linking these culturally significant occasions, Dubai creates a continuous cultural season. This approach fosters cultural engagement and spiritual connectivity. It honors the past while embracing modern communal life.
Leadership and Vision
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum oversees the Season of Wulfa. She serves as Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
Sheikha Latifa describes the program as a blend of heritage and contemporary creativity. It offers multi-sensory cultural experiences that promote humanitarian values. The initiative strengthens community bonds and encourages shared celebrations across diverse segments of society.
She highlighted that the events will reinforce Dubai's reputation as a global model for coexistence. They promote harmony and tolerance while drawing from rich civilizational heritage. The program also inspires future generations to cherish and carry forward these values.
Universal Appeal and Inclusivity
Although deeply rooted in Emirati identity, the Season of Wulfa aims for inclusivity and global resonance. It highlights universal themes such as belonging, generosity, compassion, and shared human experience.
The initiative seeks to foster dialogue and mutual respect. It promotes unity among the nearly 200 nationalities living in Dubai.
Broader Cultural Strategy
The launch of the Season of Wulfa reflects Dubai's broader cultural strategy under visionary leadership. The strategy uses heritage, tradition, and shared values to bring communities together. It amplifies cultural understanding and creates enduring social bonds in a rapidly evolving world.
This initiative underscores the UAE's commitment to preserving cultural heritage. It fosters an environment of inclusivity, respect, and harmony. The program bridges past and present for generations to come.
By transforming age-old cultural celebrations into a dynamic, citywide season, Dubai honors tradition. It crafts immersive, communal experiences that enrich social connection. The initiative celebrates heritage and propels cultural continuity into the future.
