Hatta Festival 2025 Brings Community Camping Experience to the Mountains

As part of Hatta Festival 2025, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, organised a community camping experience in the Hatta Mountains, bringing together residents and visitors for a weekend of outdoor learning, exploration, and shared activities. The initiative aimed to strengthen social interaction across age groups, promote environmental awareness, and highlight Hatta as one of Dubai’s key outdoor and eco-tourism destinations.

The experience began with more than 50 participants gathering near Suhaila Lakes, where they took part in a guided hike through the Hatta Mountains led by environmental researcher Sultan Al Balushi. During the walk, participants learned about local wildlife, native plant species, and the region’s distinctive rock formations. The session emphasised the importance of conserving natural habitats and practising responsible behaviour while enjoying outdoor environments.

As night fell, participants returned to Suhaila Lakes to select camping areas and set up their tents, marking the start of an immersive evening programme. Activities included an interactive astronomy session supported by visual displays, followed by a friendly challenge in which participants identified stars and learned about their appearance in the night sky during the month.

The evening concluded with a live stargazing session under Hatta’s clear skies, guided by Emirati photographer Yousef Al Qasimi. He shared insights into how earlier generations used stars for navigation, travel, and timekeeping, connecting modern scientific learning with local heritage and traditions.

The community camping experience forms part of the wider Hatta Festival 2025 and falls under the #DubaiDestinations campaign. The initiative seeks to showcase Dubai’s diverse natural landscapes alongside its urban attractions, while encouraging eco-friendly tourism, outdoor lifestyles, and meaningful connections with nature.