Sheikha Latifa Evaluates Dubai’s ‘Season of Wulfa’ Program

Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, convened with members of the creative collective behind Dubai's Season of Wulfa initiative.

This initiative was introduced by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and is steered by Sheikha Latifa.

The Season of Wulfa is dedicated to celebrating significant cultural events such as Haq Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid, underscoring Emirati traditions and cultural identity while enhancing family and community connections. It creates engaging experiences to unite UAE nationals, residents, and visitors, fostering cultural exchange and shared human values.

The creative collective comprises leading Emirati professionals from various fields including design, architecture, literature, media, and cultural research. Their collaborative efforts focus on dialogue, research, design, and community testing, ensuring the cultural messages are authentic and resonate deeply with Emirati society.

Sheikha Latifa emphasized the fundamental role of culture in fostering social unity and promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for diversity. She recognized that this vision aligns with the leadership philosophy of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who prioritizes the welfare and happiness of individuals as essential for sustainable growth.

Creating Bonds through Celebration

Sheikha Latifa outlined that the Season of Wulfa is anchored on three pillars: reflection, connection, and blessing. The initiative mirrors authentic Emirati, Arab, and Islamic values while nurturing a sense of belonging. It encourages individuals to take a moment to reflect, renew relationships, and reinforce social bonds through shared spiritual and cultural experiences.

She further highlighted the initiative's role in promoting joy, generosity, and unity, and its focus on preserving cherished cultural traditions. She pointed out that Dubai's nurturing environment for creativity allows talents to express and celebrate cultural occasions meaningfully, stressing that partnerships are crucial for achieving the initiative’s objectives and bolstering Dubai's cultural reputation.

Attending the meeting were representatives from numerous government sectors, including The Executive Council of Dubai, Roads and Transport Authority, and the Community Development Authority, alongside leading Emirati creatives and cultural ambassadors like Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture. Participants included artists, designers, filmmakers, writers, architects, and cultural researchers contributing valuable insights to the initiative.

Insights from the Gathering

During the meeting, attendees discussed the importance of the Season of Wulfa in showcasing true Emirati and Arab values, reflecting the essence of local society and its traditions. They reviewed significant milestones and research that explored the ongoing transformation of cultural values and the role of traditional celebrations.

Members of the creative collective shared that extensive dialogue and engagement with the community shaped the vision for the initiative, helping to establish experience principles, develop design standards, create a visual identity, and formulate the overall strategy for the season.

The Season of Wulfa is set to feature over 50 programs and activities across more than 30 locations in Dubai, including neighborhoods, markets, and cultural sites, in collaboration with government organizations, the private sector, and local communities.