Look: Stunning new tourist attractions coming to Dubai's Hatta region

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, has approved the Hatta Master Development Plan to transform Hatta into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism.

The new master plan forms an integral part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan launched earlier this year to create a roadmap for enhancing infrastructure and implementing a series of development projects and initiatives across the emirate over the next 20 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed said, “We are steadfast in our resolve to further transform our growth and prospects with our new development drive. With determination, nothing is impossible. The emirate is committed to using its resources to enhance the prosperity of our nation and its citizens. Development projects in Hatta are progressing rapidly as part of a plan to enhance economic and social growth, strengthen environmental sustainability, and raise the living standards and wellbeing of the people of the area."

The Dubai Ruler’s remarks came during a visit to Hatta accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs.

Sheikh Mohammed was received on his arrival by Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Track, and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning. During the visit, His Highness reviewed a host of Hatta development projects and initiatives and met with a group of Hatta-based young business leaders.

The Hatta Master Development Plan, which maps out the development of the area over the next two decades, aims to promote wellbeing, generate investment opportunities for its people, support domestic tourism, attract investments, and boost public-private partnerships. The key objectives of the plan include conserving the heritage and natural environment of the area, encouraging mountain tourism and sport, and transforming Hatta into a year-round tourist destination in line with the World's Coolest Winter campaign.

The plan also seeks to improve public facilities and services for Hatta’s inhabitants and visitors and develop a sustainable transportation system that includes a direct bus service from Dubai to Hatta that allows passengers to carry bicycles and scooters in a compartment on board. The transportation plan also envisages the provision of ride-sharing service in cooperation with the private sector and deploying tourist coaches for accessing heritage sites such as Wadi Hub, Hatta Dam, Heritage Village and Al-Tal Park. It also includes the provision of an on-demand bus service for exploring Hatta using a smart app and a smart car rental service which enables cars to be hired on an hourly basis.

Furthermore, the Master Development Plan includes a five-year plan (2022-2026) to construct tracks for bicycles and scooters in a 120 km network connecting key attractions and residential areas. It also includes the construction of the longest mountain bike track in the UAE featuring world-class specifications that will host international competitions and events. The track will have rest-stops and integrated service facilities along its route.

The plan also focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs who own small and medium businesses, by empowering and enabling them to implement projects and creative ideas to advance sustainable economic development in the area.

The plan also focuses on supporting young entrepreneurs who own small and medium businesses, by empowering and enabling them to implement projects and creative ideas to advance sustainable economic development in the area. During his meeting with Hatta youth, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on local initiatives and projects initiated by the youth, such as in the hospitality sector. The area features a number of motels managed by local residents, which are popular among tourists seeking to enjoy the area’s natural mountain landscapes.

The Hatta Beach Project aims to transform the area into a year-round tourist destination. The project will create investment spaces and facilities, services, and activities for tourists in waterfront areas that will contribute to increasing tourist flows into Hatta.