Dubai unveils citywide calendar of events celebrating Hag Al Leila as part of the Season of Wulfa

The Season of Wulfa brings together cherished occasions through events that celebrate community and heritage

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 28 January 2026: Dubai has unveiled the official calendar of events for Hag Al Leila in Dubai, marking the beginning of the Season of Wulfa, a citywide cultural initiative celebrating belonging, kinship, and shared values through programmes that highlight the emirate's living and vibrant heritage.

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and led by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Season of Wulfa reflects core Emirati, Arab, and Islamic values through its three pillars of Reflection, Connection, and Blessing.

The Season opens with Hag Al Leila in Dubai before continuing through Ramadan in Dubai and culminating with Eid in Dubai. Together, these occasions are brought to life through a coordinated programme of neighbourhood celebrations, cultural experiences, and citywide activations that highlight how traditions are lived, shared, and celebrated across Dubai by families, communities, residents, and visitors.

Muna Faisal Algurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed that the Season of Wulfa embodies the spirit of Emirati culture by strengthening family bonds and bringing people together. This underscores the Authority's commitment to social cohesion and to celebrating an Emirati identity built on openness and tolerance.

She said: “Wulfa represents a state of harmony and warmth. Through its celebration of occasions such as Hag Al Leila, the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid, the Season reflects the rhythm of life in Dubai and the UAE, as well as traditions rich with social meaning. Its importance lies in fostering shared moments and embodying the essence of Emirati culture through innovative experiences that blend heritage with creativity.”

Algurg added: “At Dubai Culture, we are keen to celebrate Hag Al Leila, introducing residents to its significance and highlighting its cherished place in local tradition. This is part of our efforts to embed national identity in the hearts of future generations, encourage them to safeguard Emirati heritage, and strengthen its presence on the global cultural map.”

City Lighting and Decoration: As a citywide celebration of the Season of Wulfa, themed lighting, flags, and decorative elements will be introduced across key gateways, roads, and public spaces. Large-scale lighting installations, palm tree décor, and pole motifs will be displayed across locations including Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge, Dubai International (DXB) Terminals 1 and 3, Al Mustaqbel Street, Jumeirah Road, Zabeel Road, and Hatta Road. The unified visual identity will remain in place across Hag Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid Al Fitr, creating a consistent seasonal presence that reflects the values and spirit of the Season of Wulfa.

Hag Al Leila in Dubai: Honouring tradition, sharing joy

As part of Hag Al Leila in Dubai, government-led and destination-based activations will bring the occasion to life through community, cultural, and family-focused experiences.

From heritage and neighbourhood parks to major destinations, Hag Al Leila in Dubai is experienced across diverse settings, reinforcing its role as a collective celebration that connects generations and communities ,delivering engaging experiences that combine cultural authenticity with modern creativity.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “Hag Al Leila in Dubai marks the beginning of a meaningful journey through the Season of Wulfa, a new initiative launched under the guidance of our visionary leadership to celebrate togetherness, cultural identity, and community spirit. The initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to honouring its rich heritage while delivering engaging and inclusive experiences for both residents and visitors. Through neighbourhood celebrations and destination-based activations, the public is invited to take part in an occasion that embodies values of belonging and kinship. Hag Al Leila and the Season of Wulfa demonstrate how tradition continues to thrive in Dubai, bringing diverse communities together in celebration. By engaging public and private sector partners, the initiative contributes to a growing cultural ecosystem that further strengthens Dubai's position as a global capital for cultural coexistence and creativity.”

Mohammed Abdulrahman Ahli, Director of the Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “Through the Season of Wulfa and the celebration of Hag Al Leila, Dubai Municipality is proud to honour Dubai's rich heritage by transforming our public facilities and spaces into living platforms for culture, community, and belonging. By activating locations such as Dubai Frame, Hewi Dubai, and public parks across the emirate, we are enabling residents and visitors alike to experience Emirati traditions in authentic, accessible, and contemporary ways. These celebrations reflect our commitment to placing culture at the heart of public life, ensuring that heritage is not only preserved, but actively lived, shared, and passed on to future generations.”

Dr Abdulrahman Nassir, CEO of the Business Support Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), said: “We are proud to take part in the Season of Wulfa, which celebrates Emirati cultural identity and Islamic values, and strengthens social unity within Dubai's educational community through key occasions such as Hag Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid. We were delighted by the creative designs shared by our students that express their connection to our cultural heritage and contribute to reinforcing Dubai's position as a global city that promotes tolerance and coexistence.”

A representative from the Museum of the Future said: “Hag Al Leila at the Museum of the Future celebrates the core values of the Season of Wulfa by bringing togetherness, heritage, and community to life within the Museum's iconic spaces. We contribute to this cultural celebration through a family-first cultural activation designed to encourage intergenerational participation and meaningful engagement. Curated in a future-forward format, the experience positions the Museum as a space where families connect through storytelling, creativity, and interaction. By blending cultural practices with innovation, we are pleased to take part in a city-wide celebration that reflects Dubai's vision as a global city where heritage shapes the present and guides a shared future.”

Events and activities for Hag Al Leila

Government partner activations

A series of activations across cultural venues, community spaces, and family destinations, gives children and families the chance to experience Emirati traditions through play, learning, and shared celebration.

• Dubai Municipality-led activations (31 Jan 2026):

• Hag Al Leila at Children's City: An edutainment celebration rooted in Emirati heritage, bringing families and children together through music, games, cultural performances, and the sharing of traditional sweets.
• Hag Al Leila at Dubai Frame: An experience featuring Dukkan Al Tayyebeen elements, festive décor, and special giveaways, bringing the spirit of Hag Al Leila to life in a landmark setting.
• Hag Al Leila at Al Barsha South Park: Family-focused celebrations hosted across the neighbourhood park, featuring interactive workshops, festive activities, and children's giveaways.

• Hag Al Leila Trail at Al Shindagha (31 Jan-6 Feb 2026): A complimentary interactive trail inviting families to follow a cultural guide and explore the neighbourhood collecting sweets from Al Shindagha residents and recreating the door-to-door tradition.
• Hag Al Leila Workshops at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children (1-6 Feb 2026): A family focused initiative where kids and participants will have the chance to create their own Hag Al Leila giveaway treat.
• Hag Al Leila at the Museum of the Future (1 & 3 Feb 2026): Shalwa will transform the Museum into a contemporary interpretation of a traditional neighbourhood celebration that reflects the spirit of generosity and shared joy through seasonal treats inspired by Emirati heritage complement hands-on activities including mandoos making, goodie bag filling, and the Children's Walk on 1 February, in addition to cultural storytelling, immersive experiences, and a themed treasure hunt in collaboration with Ganache Chocolatier on the 3 February.
• Hag Al Leila Celebrations in Hewi Dubai (2 Feb 2026): A traditional Hag Al Leila gathering where children dressed in traditional attire sing and collect sweets and gifts.
• Hag Al Leila Student Design Initiative, in collaboration with KHDA and Patchi: A student-led creative initiative inviting students from private schools across Dubai to develop original packaging designs inspired by Hag Al Leila and Ramadan traditions. The initiative encourages young people to engage with cultural storytelling through contemporary design, with selected concepts produced as limited-edition chocolate packaging and made available across retail locations in Dubai, linking education, creativity, and heritage.

Mall and retail activations

Popular mall and retail destinations across Dubai will mark Hag Al Leila through family-friendly celebrations, cultural storytelling and festive giveaways.

• Hag Al Leila at Al Khawaneej Walk, Last Exit Al Khawaneej, and Souq Al Seef (30 Jan-1 Feb 2026): A three-day activation featuring roaming entertainment, interactive storytelling, and candy hampers distributed at tenant entrances.
• Hag Al Leila at Samra Jewellery (1-3 Feb 2026): A creative in-store activation offering children the opportunity to customise tote bags and walk away with festive  giveaways.
• Hag El Leila Treat Box Drop by talabat (2 Feb 2026): talabat mart will surprise 12,000 users with exclusive Hag El Leila treat boxes delivered with their orders on 2 February. The initiative is designed to bring a nostalgic cultural moment to customers' doorsteps.
• Hag Al Leila in Dubai Duty Free (2-8 Feb 2026): A festive activation across Dubai International (DXB) Terminals, featuring sweet giveaways on 3-4 February and the use of seasonal music in-store to create a traditional and cultural experience for both travellers and employees.
• Flagship Hag Al Leila Celebration at Dubai Hills Mall (2-3 Feb 2026): A large-scale mall activation experience that brings a traditionally neighbourhood-based custom into a contemporary public setting through culturally rooted activities inspired by the tradition of dressing in Emirati attire, singing songs, and collecting sweets.
• Celebrate Hag Al Leila with Barakat (From 2 Feb 2026): A special-edition chocolate-coated fruit bites pack including strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry pieces.
• Hag Al Leila at Emarat Service Station - Al Arabi/Al Khawaneej (3 Feb 2026): Children can customise tote bags and enjoy themed treats, from 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm.
• Season of Wulfa at Circle Mall (From 3 Feb 2026): Distribution of traditional Emirati treats, followed by Ramadan and Eid-themed activities.
• Season of Wulfa at Ibn Battuta Mall (From 3 Feb 2026): Hag Al Leila celebrations followed by Ramadan décor and a family-focused Eid activation.
• Hag Al Leila in Dubai Duty Free (2-8 Feb 2026): The Hag Al Leila activation will run from 2–8 February, with giveaways across all terminals on 3–4 February. The official music will be played on-site, in DDF shops, and featured across social media to create a festive, unified experience. The initiative aims to raise awareness of Hag Al Leila by sharing its cultural meaning and traditions with both travelers and employees.

Unique experiences

A selection of destination and partner activations offering distinctive Hag Al Leila experiences across Dubai.

• Harvest Festival at Expo City Dubai (31 Jan 2026): A family evening filled with music, colour, and joy. Children are invited to dress in vibrant outfits, sing traditional songs, collect sweet treats, and take part in workshops and games, alongside a market showcasing local brands at Al Wasl Plaza.
• Deliveroo x Freej Hag Al Leila at City Walk (31 Jan 2026): A family-friendly activation inspired by the traditional ‘baqala', reimagined as a nostalgic corner shop offering a “pick-and-mix” selection of festive sweets and treats. The experience includes traditional henna art and appearances by the famous Freej characters (Um Saeed, Um Saloom, Um Allawi, Um Khammas, and Abood) to greet families and pose for photos.
• Hag Al Leila at Global Village (31 Jan-3 Feb 2026): A culturally rich experience featuring immersive traditional décor, interactive workshops, candy giveaways by Emirati promoters in traditional attire, and community activities.
• Hag Al Leila at KidZania Dubai Mall (3 Feb 2026): An interactive  celebration where children create candy boxes, take part in themed activities, collect Hag Al Leila stamps, and receive festive goodies.
• Hag Al Leila at Play DXB Dubai Mall (3 Feb 2026): A festive family experience featuring an Arabic-themed tent, henna art, and candy giveaways, taking place from 11.00am-8.00pm.
• Hag Al Leila at Adventure Park (3 Feb 2026): Available to Adventure Park ticket holders, it features an Arabic-themed tent, traditional henna art, and themed giveaways.
• Hag Al Leila at Kite Beach & The Square: Festive giveaways and retail engagement activities.

Gastronomy, hotels, and attractions

Dining, hospitality, and lifestyle destinations will extend the celebration into everyday spaces across the city.

• Hag Al Leila at Organic Foods & Café (until 14 Feb 2026): A festive in-store celebration with a curated selection of family-friendly snacks, including fruit pouches, yoghurt, wholegrain crackers, nutritious bars, and chocolate treats, paired with seasonal flavours and special offers.
• Mirzam Cafe Al Quoz and Khawaneej Walkhocolate Makers (1-2 Feb 2026): Featuring an AED7 kids' karak-spiced drinking chocolate, served in a collectible Hag Al Leila cup.
• Hag Al Leila at Dusit Thani Dubai (2 Feb 2026): A family-focused cultural celebration designed to raise awareness of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan through simple child-led activities, traditional Emirati sweets, cultural décor, and guest engagement.
• A Celebration of Hag Al Leila Tradition at DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences (3 Feb 2026): A one-day cultural celebration honouring the cherished tradition, featuring festive giveaways for children alongside Ramadan-inspired décor.

Season of collaboration

The Season of Wulfa calendar of events is delivered in collaboration with a wide range of government partners, reflecting a coordinated citywide approach to celebrating Hag Al Leila in Dubai, Ramadan in Dubai, and Eid in Dubai.

Participating partners include the Community Development Authority (CDA), Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Sports Council (DSC), Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA). Further details on individual events, dates, and locations will be announced in the coming weeks.