Dubai is officially expanding its unique “Hewi Dubai” initiative. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently witnessed the signing of a major partnership to develop new Hewi community spaces. These hubs will be located in the Al Barsha and Muhaisnah neighborhoods. Specifically, the project involves a collaboration between Dubai Municipality, the General Construction Company, and Binghatti. This move aims to strengthen social ties and improve the daily lives of residents. Furthermore, it brings traditional architectural values into modern residential zones.
What are Hewi Community Spaces?
The term “Hewi” is derived from a local Emirati dialect. Indeed, it refers to the central courtyard of a traditional home. This was always the heart of family life and neighborly gatherings. The modern Hewi community spaces adapt this concept for the 21st century. Consequently, they provide a welcoming “outdoor living room” for everyone in the area. These designs focus on inclusivity, ensuring that senior citizens and children feel equally at home.
Key Architectural Elements: The Dajja and Saha
Every Hewi project features two distinct areas designed for different types of social interaction:
- The Dajja: This is a semi-open area usually located near mosques. Notably, it provides a quiet space for reflection and calm conversation after prayers.
- The Saha: This is a flexible, multi-purpose space. Therefore, it can host everything from children’s play areas to neighborhood celebrations and community markets.
By combining these elements, the Hewi community spaces revive the spirit of the traditional “fareej” or neighborhood.
Strategic Impact on Al Barsha and Muhaisnah
The selection of Al Barsha and Muhaisnah is highly strategic. Moreover, these are densely populated residential areas that will benefit immensely from dedicated social hubs. As a result, the expansion supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This plan prioritizes “people-first” urbanism and high-quality lifestyle amenities. Additionally, the partnership with private developers like Binghatti ensures that these spaces are built with world-class quality and speed.
Conclusion: A Future-Ready Social Fabric
The growth of the Hewi community spaces reflects Dubai’s vision for a connected society. In conclusion, these projects prove that technology and tradition can live together. By creating spaces where neighbors can meet daily, Dubai is building a more resilient and happy community. This initiative marks a significant milestone in making the emirate the best city to live in globally.
