The ninth season of the Hatta Honey Festival, a flagship event dedicated to supporting Emirati beekeepers and boosting the honey production sector, is set to commence on Friday, December 27, 2024. Organized by Dubai Municipality, this eagerly awaited festival will run until December 31 at the Hatta Hall, featuring the participation of 51 Emirati beekeepers.
Championing Local Beekeeping Through the Hatta Master Development Plan
Aligned with the objectives of the Hatta Master Development Plan, the festival reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to advancing Hatta as a key economic and tourism hub. By fostering investment opportunities for the private sector and promoting local entrepreneurship, the festival aims to enhance Hatta’s economic landscape while preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
As a highlight of the Hatta Winter initiative, the festival offers visitors an immersive experience combining diverse honey varieties, breathtaking natural scenery, and a pleasant winter climate. Hatta’s reputation as a leading winter destination is reinforced through events like the Honey Festival, which not only attracts tourists but also elevates its profile as a global tourism hotspot.
Empowering Emirati Beekeepers and Promoting Innovation
The Hatta Honey Festival provides a vital platform for Emirati beekeepers to showcase their products, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative honey production techniques. The event underscores Dubai Municipality’s commitment to supporting local talent and ensuring the highest quality and safety standards in the honey industry.
“This festival reflects our efforts to position Hatta as a premier tourist destination,” said Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafee, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health, and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality. “It fosters economic opportunities while empowering national entrepreneurs to sustain and elevate their ventures.”
Activities and Highlights
This year’s festival offers an array of engaging activities, including:
- Honey Auction: A unique opportunity for visitors to purchase premium honey varieties.
- Honey Competition: Recognition of the best Emirati honey with valuable prizes.
- Workshops: Ten educational sessions on honey production and safety.
- Entertainment: Daily performances by folk groups and children’s play areas.
- Home-Based Businesses: Dedicated booths showcasing locally made products.
Additionally, the Dubai Central Laboratory will provide comprehensive testing to ensure the quality of honey products. From analyzing sugar content to checking for fungi and yeasts, these measures align with Dubai Municipality’s robust food safety protocols.
A Broader Vision for Hatta
The festival is part of the larger #DubaiDestinations campaign, highlighting Hatta’s appeal through a series of events like the Hatta Winter Festival and Hatta Cultural Nights. These initiatives aim to promote sustainable development, support small businesses, and create a vibrant ecosystem for tourism and economic growth.
With seamless transportation provided by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), including direct buses and internal shuttles to key attractions like Hatta Dam, the festival ensures accessibility for residents and tourists alike.
As the Hatta Honey Festival 2024 unfolds, it reaffirms Hatta’s position as a must-visit winter destination while celebrating the resilience and innovation of Emirati beekeepers.