Dubai: The Dh1.3-billion comprehensive development of Hatta is going according to the plan, aimed to cement the tourism potential of this part of Dubai nestled amidst mountains, wadis and lakes.
The drive aims to uphold the prominent cultural and environmental position of this tourism gem of Dubai — and one the emirate’s key attractions and business destinations.
Watch: A closer look at the biggest inclined mural in the world.
Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of Dubai Municipality, has underscored the positive impact of the plan on people’s lifestyle and living standards in Hatta, noting that it mirrors the paramount importance attached by Shaikh Mohammad to the distinctive status of the region.
Watch: Meet the artist behind Hatta Dam's massive mural
Such plans work towards achieving ambitious development goals that serve the nation and its citizens, he said.
Watch: Mohammad Al Kaabi, the senior Service Quality Office, Municipality Centers Department, shows Gulf News around the old heritage site at Hatta.
A number of Dubai government departments are engaged in the development plan launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The most valuable features of this development initiative is the constant care and attention to invest in developing human resources and providing them with all forms of support, empowering them to fulfil their role towards themselves, their people and the nation.
Dubai Media Office
Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Dubai Media Office, has added an artistic touch to the ambitious plan, by commissioning artists to paint the largest mural in the world on Hatta dam.
The 80mx30m mural portrays the founding fathers of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Dubai Municipality
As part of implementing the first group of its projects to enhance the urban infrastructure and support the growth of entrepreneurs and businesses in Hatta, Dubai Municipality organised the Hatta Honey Festival in the first quarter of 2017.
It also launched an Emiratisation programme and scholarship.
Dubai Municipality’s projects include developing the ‘Al Sheraa’ heritage area, constructing 30 environmentally-friendly public rest houses, and building a series of pathways between farms across Hatta to provide tourists and visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature.
Extending two kilometres, the pathways pass through many major tourist attractions such as the Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta Kayak and Hatta Dam.
Another project ‘Hatta Live’ uses a number of cameras to broadcast 360-degree live views of Hatta’s stunning landscapes. Dubai Municipality is also building a number of shops, a housing complex for government employees and children’s play areas.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) reported significant progress in design, hydro-geological, geological, environmental, geotechnical, and engineering studies for a hydroelectric power station that will make use of the water stored in the Hatta Dam. The 250 MW project, the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf, supports the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.
DEWA has also awarded the tender for development, engineering, procurement, construction, operational services, maintenance, and installation of solar photovoltaic systems in 640 villas owned by Emiratis in Hatta.
Roads & Transport Authority
A key player in the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, the Roads & Transport Authority has announced the Hatta Gate project, an artwork that will be located on the main Dubai - Hatta road. The artwork features a unique design that reflects Hatta’s character and natural features.
RTA is currently building a key road linking Dubai and Hatta via Lehbab at an estimated cost of around Dh55 million. In a couple of years, the RTA will design and construct roads in the Makan residential and Crushers areas in Hatta at an estimated cost of Dh30 million.
Furthermore, the Roads & Transport Authority has set up libraries in four schools in Hatta, as part of a plan to support educational development in the area.
Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing
The Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing launched the ‘Emirati Tourist Guide Programme’ to provide training and certification for young men and women who like to pursue a career in tourism.
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority’s contribution to the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan includes a comprehensive programme that focuses on highlighting the identity of Hatta through art and cultural activities.
The authority provided substantial support for the Hatta Heritage Festival, which featured over 48 activities such as exhibitions of traditional arts and crafts, dresses and wedding garments. The festival also featured a poetry recitation event that saw the participation of famous local Nabati poets.
Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
The Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) launched the first ‘Treasures of Hatta’ education activity, which connected students with different aspects of community living in the area as part of the Hatta Wellbeing District project.
Dubai Sports Council
The Dubai Sports Council launched a number of sports activities to enrich the sports scene in Hatta. An important phase of the fourth Dubai International Cycle Tour was held in Hatta. A walk held in Hatta saw the participation of more than 3,000 people of various age groups from Hatta and its outlying areas.
Hatta was also chosen as a venue for the XDubai Spartan Race as part of boosting its attractiveness as a sporting and tourist destination. More than 3,000 people took part in the event.
Dubai SME
Dubai SME allocated 40 shops in Hatta to young Emiratis to support entrepreneurial development. Some of the projects supported by Dubai SME include a honey-packing factory and a kayaking sports venue. It also provides training courses in project management and entrepreneurial skills.
Mohammad Bin Rashid Housing Establishment
The Mohammad Bin Rashid Housing Establishment started work on Phase I of a project to construct 400 houses for Emiratis at a cost of Dh565 million. The project is expected to be completed by late 2018.
