Sheikha Latifa Meets Creative Collective to Advance Dubai’s ‘Season of Wulfa’ Cultural Initiative

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), met with members of the creative collective behind the Season of Wulfa initiative, launched by H.H. 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 H.H. Sheikha Latifa.

The Season of Wulfa celebrates key cultural occasions, including Haq Al Leila, Ramadan, and Eid, expressing traditions, values, and cultural identity while strengthening family and community bonds. Through innovative experiences that engage UAE nationals, residents, and visitors, the initiative fosters cultural exchange and highlights shared human values.

The creative collective comprises a distinguished group of Emirati creatives from design, architecture, literature, media, arts, and cultural research. Drawing on dialogue, research, design, and testing, the collective enriches the season’s creative and intellectual depth, shaping a cultural narrative rooted in Emirati society and universal values. Their contributions help ensure authenticity, relevance, and alignment with local culture and societal values.

During the meeting, H.H. Sheikha Latifa affirmed that culture is a vital force in strengthening social cohesion and fostering tolerance, coexistence, openness, and respect for diversity. She noted that this approach reflects Dubai’s vision under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who has consistently emphasised investing in people and aligning efforts to ensure their happiness and well-being as the foundation of sustainable development.

She highlighted that the Season of Wulfa, built on three pillars—reflection, connection, and blessing—embodies the authenticity of Emirati, Arab, and Islamic values. “Wulfa reinforces a sense of belonging and underpins the living traditions of our society. It represents harmony, warmth, and familiarity that bring people together, while offering an opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew relationships,” she said, adding that the season encourages strengthening connections and envisioning a better present and future inspired by the depth of identity and authenticity of values.

H.H. Sheikha Latifa further underscored that the season carries an inspiring message rooted in shared humanity, celebrating joy, generosity, and belonging, while raising awareness of preserving inherited cultural practices. She also highlighted Dubai’s enabling environment for creativity and the pivotal role of strategic partnerships in achieving the initiative’s objectives and enhancing the emirate’s standing.

The meeting was attended by partners from government institutions and entities, including The Executive Council of Dubai; Roads and Transport Authority; Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; Community Development Authority; Knowledge and Human Development Authority; Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department; Dubai Municipality; Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Government of Dubai Media Office; Expo City Dubai; Dubai Future Foundation; and Dubai Department of Finance.

It also brought together a distinguished group of creatives and cultural ambassadors, led by Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, alongside prominent artists, designers, directors, writers, and cultural experts.

Participants exchanged insights on the importance of the Season of Wulfa in expressing authentic Emirati and Arab values and reflecting the spirit of local society and its rich heritage. They reviewed key milestones and research outcomes examining shifts in societal values and cultural occasions, noting that in-depth dialogue and community testing played a central role in shaping the season’s vision, visual identity, experience principles, and overall strategy.

The approach enables continued engagement by the creative community, supporting the development of new models that transform traditions into meaningful human experiences and ensure cultural continuity.

The Season of Wulfa will feature more than 50 initiatives and activities, implemented in collaboration with several government entities and in partnership with the private sector and local communities, across more than 30 locations in Dubai, including neighbourhoods, markets, and cultural destinations.