Dubai’s Hag Al Leila celebrations concluded this week with strong engagement across a wide-ranging programme of community, cultural, and destination-based activations, marking the opening moment of the Season of Wulfa and setting the tone for the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Observed across the city, Hag Al Leila in Dubai brought residents and visitors together through shared moments rooted in generosity, participation, and the exchange of sweets. From heritage-led experiences and neighbourhood gatherings to activations in major destinations, the programme reflected how the tradition continues to be lived and shared across generations.

Across the programme, activations recorded strong footfall and sustained participation, with high levels of engagement from families, children, and wider communities. Public response reinforced Hag Al Leila’s role as a shared cultural moment, experienced through familiar rituals that encourage connection, participation, and a gentle transition into the reflective rhythm of Ramadan.

Key activations across Dubai helped translate the tradition into diverse contemporary settings while remaining grounded in cultural authenticity. Dubai Hills Mall hosted one of the season’s most visible celebrations, adapting the traditional door-to-door custom into a guided, child-led experience within a major retail destination. Cultural institutions led by Dubai Culture delivered neighbourhood-rooted programming, including heritage trails, workshops, and creative activities designed to introduce younger audiences to the meaning and rituals of the occasion.

Dubai Municipality activated public spaces and community venues across the city, embedding Hag Al Leila within everyday neighbourhood life and ensuring broad public access to the celebration. At the Museum of the Future, the tradition was reimagined through an interactive cultural programme combining storytelling and hands-on activities, while the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s student design initiative, delivered in collaboration with Patchi, engaged young people directly in cultural storytelling through contemporary creative expression. More than 45 activations unfolded across retail destinations, cultural venues, and community hubs, delivered in collaboration with a range of public and private partners as part of the wider Season of Wulfa programme.

Muna Faisal Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, affirmed the Authority’s commitment to raising awareness of Hag Al Leila’s cultural significance, saying: “Hag Al Leila represents an authentic Emirati tradition that reflects the essence of our heritage and embodies generosity, kindness, and tolerance. It is also a powerful expression of our pride in our national identity. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen community engagement, introduce the youth to our customs, and deepen their sense of belonging.”

Al Gurg added: “Each year, we celebrate this occasion through programmes hosted across our cultural sites to highlight the meaning, symbolism, and beauty of Hag Al Leila. We seek to preserve the custom in the Emirati collective memory, underscore its value, and showcase how it fosters harmony within the community. These efforts also help future generations connect with their roots and cultivate national pride.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Hag Al Leila continues to resonate because it is experienced in familiar, shared spaces across the city. This year’s programme demonstrated how simple, community-centred moments can create meaningful connections, particularly for younger generations. The strong engagement we saw across activations reflects the city’s appreciation for traditions that bring people together and naturally set the tone for the Holy Month of Ramadan.”

With Hag Al Leila setting the tone across the city, the Season of Wulfa now moves into its next phase, as Dubai prepares to observe Ramadan through a programme of cultural, community, and citywide experiences shaped by reflection, connection, and shared responsibility.

This Ramadan, elevate your evenings with a memorable Iftar at Kris with a View, the signature rooftop restaurant at Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai. Set high above the city, the venue offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, creating a serene and elegant setting to break your fast.

The Iftar experience features a thoughtfully curated buffet blending authentic Middle Eastern flavours with international favourites. Guests can enjoy live cooking stations, a wide selection of traditional and global dishes, and an indulgent spread of desserts perfect for family gatherings, social evenings, and corporate Iftar celebrations.

Priced at AED 100 per person, guests can enjoy a special early-bird rate of AED 88 per person during the first ten days of Ramadan. The same preferred rate applies to groups of ten guests or more. Exclusive rates are also available for corporate bookings, in-house guests, and hoteliers.

Iftar is served daily from Maghrib until 11:00 PM, allowing guests to relax, dine, and take in the stunning city views.

• Venue: Kris With A View, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai
• Reservations & Enquiries: 04 377 1184 | WhatsApp: +971 50 707 1196

QE2 Hospitality Academy, the region’s renowned cruise-liner-based hospitality training institution, announces the hosting of the finals of the Future Leaders challenge (FLC) 2026, aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship. The international, multi-day summit will take place from 9 to 11 February 2026 under the theme “building bridges”: strategizing the human capital plan. Empowering tomorrow’s tourism and hospitality leaders.

Encouraging an integrated community model for talent growth and advancement, the FLC provides a forum for students and young professionals from all backgrounds to engage in career development and networking opportunities. Its mission is to position the MEA region as a global hub for developing innovative, collaborative leaders in hospitality and tourism. With a strong focus on mentorship, sustainability, and experiential learning, FLC goes beyond traditional career development to cultivate a new generation of socially and environmentally conscious leaders, aligning with the region’s vision for sustainable growth.

With participation from 30 schools worldwide, the event is expected to welcome more than 100 students, young leaders, educators, and industry professionals from over 30 countries, creating a truly global platform for leadership, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. The event provides an essential forum for global decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of hospitality, where ideas are exchanged and growth is inspired.

Commenting on the announcement, Patrick Coodien, Director of QE2 Hospitality Academy, said: “We are immensely proud to host the Future Leaders Challenge, an event that perfectly reflects our mission at QE2 Hospitality Academy. This platform allows us to shape future-ready hospitality and tourism talent by offering meaningful learning experiences, opening real career pathways, and connecting young leaders directly with industry. Hosting this global initiative in Dubai reinforces our commitment to strengthening the city’s position as a leader in tourism excellence and innovation.”

Supported by more than 32 sponsors and partners, the Future Leaders Challenge 2026 will open on 9 February with participant arrival aboard the QE2. The official programme begins on 10 February under the patronage of QE2 Hospitality Academy and will feature keynote addresses, inspirational panel discussion, future-skills workshops, and a bespoke immersive experience, “Voyage of Leadership”, followed by a sunset reception on the open deck.

The event will conclude on 11 February with global-citizenship workshops, industry-led mentorship sessions, youth awards. The programme will reach its grand finale on the evening of 11 February with the presentation of the Final Project Awards, followed by an exclusive gala dinner. A gala dinner will be held to conclude the event, featuring the official announcement of the winner. This distinguished evening will take place in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DTCM)and the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), underscoring the significance of the occasion and celebrating excellence, innovation, and future leadership.

The event aims to position the MEA region as a global hub for innovative and sustainable hospitality leadership. Through hosting this event, QE2 Hospitality Academy reaffirms its commitment to the UAE and Dubai Vision 2030 and Agenda D33, with a focus on digital innovation and economic growth, offering meaningful opportunities for education providers that embrace emerging technologies.

Since its establishment at Dubai’s iconic waterfront, the Academy has grown into a recognized center of excellence, known for combining academic rigor with immersive, real-world experience. Operated under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, it offers internationally accredited programs in hospitality, culinary arts, and related fields. Students benefit from a unique learning environment aboard the historic QE2, as well as placements with five-star hotels across the UAE, ensuring they graduate with the global skills, confidence, and practical knowledge needed to excel in the industry.