Dubai has introduced a meaningful new cultural initiative designed to bring people closer during one of the most spiritually significant times of the year. Known as the Season of Wulfa, the programme celebrates Emirati traditions, faith, generosity, and togetherness as the emirate prepares for Hag Al Leila, the holy month of Ramadan, and the festivities of Eid Al Fitr.
Launched by 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, the Season of Wulfa reflects Dubai’s ongoing commitment to preserving its cultural identity while nurturing strong, inclusive communities.
Spanning 30 locations across the city and featuring 50 diverse initiatives, the Season of Wulfa is designed to transform everyday neighbourhoods, markets, and cultural destinations into spaces of warmth, reflection, and shared celebration.
What Is the Season of Wulfa?
The Season of Wulfa is a citywide cultural and social programme centred on strengthening human connections during sacred and celebratory moments. Its journey begins with Hag Al Leila, an Emirati tradition observed on the 15th night of the Hijri month of Sha’ban, approximately two weeks before the start of Ramadan. From there, the season flows through the month of fasting and culminates in the celebrations of Eid Al Fitr.
The word Wulfa comes from Ulfa, a term rooted in classical Arabic meaning familiarity, affection, and emotional closeness. In the UAE, Wulfa is commonly used to describe bonds that go beyond friendship — a sense of comfort, trust, and heartfelt connection between people. This meaning sits at the core of the initiative.
Through Wulfa, Dubai aims to highlight how simple acts of kindness, shared rituals, and cultural traditions can foster unity and belonging in a diverse society.
A Season Built on Community Values
At its heart, the Season of Wulfa is about people. It seeks to strengthen family ties, revive neighbourhood connections, and spread a sense of warmth across Dubai’s many communities. The initiative brings Emirati hospitality to life while inviting residents and visitors alike to participate in meaningful cultural experiences.
Markets, public spaces, and cultural venues will host activities that reflect the spirit of Ramadan and Eid, encouraging reflection, generosity, and shared joy. From communal gatherings and heritage-inspired experiences to moments of spiritual contemplation, Wulfa offers something for all ages and backgrounds.
By integrating these experiences into everyday spaces, the season ensures that culture is not confined to museums or special venues, but woven into the rhythm of daily life.
Preserving Heritage While Embracing the Present
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that the strength of any society lies in its ability to preserve its living memory while passing values to future generations in relevant, contemporary ways. The Season of Wulfa does exactly that by transforming long-held customs into tangible experiences that resonate with modern lifestyles.
The initiative creates a bridge between past and present, allowing traditions to evolve without losing their essence. By engaging younger generations through creative formats and interactive experiences, Wulfa helps ensure that Emirati cultural values remain vibrant and deeply rooted.
It also reinforces collective responsibility, encouraging communities to actively participate in protecting cultural identity and nurturing a culture of compassion and mutual respect.
Reflection, Connection, and Blessing: The Three Pillars of Wulfa
The Season of Wulfa is guided by three core pillars: reflection, connection, and blessing. Together, they shape the programme’s philosophy and activities.
Reflection encourages individuals to pause, contemplate spiritual values, and reconnect with faith during Ramadan. Connection focuses on strengthening bonds between families, neighbours, and communities through shared experiences. Blessing highlights generosity, gratitude, and giving — values that are central to both Ramadan and Emirati culture.
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, described Wulfa as a celebration of shared humanity. She highlighted how the initiative draws its strength from moments of belonging and from values that transcend cultural boundaries, offering an inclusive space where traditions bring people together.
Through these pillars, Wulfa reflects the depth of Dubai’s cultural fabric and its ability to foster dialogue and understanding among the many cultures that call the city home.
Experiences Across 30 Locations
One of the defining features of the Season of Wulfa is its scale. With activities spread across 30 locations, the initiative ensures accessibility and inclusivity. Neighbourhoods, traditional markets, and cultural destinations become stages for shared celebration, allowing people to experience Wulfa close to home.
The 50 initiatives planned under the season include community gatherings, heritage-inspired markets, spiritual experiences, and family-oriented activities. These events are designed to be multi-sensory, blending sights, sounds, flavours, and stories that reflect Emirati traditions and hospitality.
By activating diverse spaces across the city, Wulfa transforms Dubai into a living cultural landscape during Ramadan and Eid.
Celebrating Hag Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid Al Fitr
The season begins with Hag Al Leila, a cherished Emirati tradition where children dress in traditional attire and go door to door collecting sweets and treats. This celebration marks the anticipation of Ramadan and reinforces values of generosity and joy.
As Ramadan begins, Wulfa shifts its focus toward spiritual reflection, fasting, and communal harmony. Activities during this period highlight compassion, empathy, and giving, encouraging people to come together in meaningful ways.
The season concludes with Eid Al Fitr, a time of celebration, gratitude, and renewed connection. Through Wulfa, Eid becomes not only a festive occasion but a continuation of the bonds formed throughout the season.
A Vision for a Connected Future
Beyond its cultural programming, the Season of Wulfa represents a broader vision for Dubai’s future. It demonstrates how a global city can remain deeply connected to its roots while embracing diversity and modernity.
By celebrating shared values and encouraging participation across communities, Wulfa reinforces Dubai’s identity as a place where tradition and innovation coexist. It affirms pride in heritage while inspiring confidence in the future.
Ultimately, the Season of Wulfa is a reminder that the true strength of a society lies in its people — in their ability to connect, care, and celebrate together. Through warmth, generosity, and shared experience, Dubai’s newest season invites everyone to be part of a story rooted in authenticity and human connection.
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