Hikers and cyclists will soon get the chance to explore parts of Hatta that have been redeveloped by Dubai Municipality in a bid to establish the area as a leading tourist destination.
The development of the UAE’s longest network of mountain trails features 21 cycling routes spanning 53km, 17 walking trails across 33km, 9 new wooden bridges and 14 rest stops with service areas.
The trails, that pass through a variety of terrain and landscapes, are divided into four colour-coded levels of difficulty.
The Green trail features four tracks for cycling and four for walking, the Blue has six for cycling and three for walking, the Red features eight routes for cycling and six for walking, while the Black trail has three tracks for cycling and four for walkers.
Dubai Municipality completed the project’s first phase in 10 months, expanding and maintaining existing hiking and mountain-bike trails, while stabilising the soil in areas to improve the experience for visitors.
Comprehensive maintenance was also carried out on all existing bridges, with damaged ones replaced.
The second phase featured the construction of rest stops and service facilities, installing 176 signposts and 650 signs to help cyclists.
Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: "In line with the directives Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Hatta Mountain Trails project has been developed to enhance the quality of living in Dubai and position it as the most active and healthy city in the world.
“Our ambition is to implement initiatives that serve the Hatta area, establishing it as a leading tourist destination for residents and tourists.”
Projects to improve Hatta
The mountain trails are the latest in a string of investment projects in Hatta.
In January, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, approved development projects for the region including the construction of a private school and a neighbourhood council for the region’s residents.
He also praised the work completed so far to develop Hatta as one of the emirate's major attractions.
“Hatta boasts various distinctive potentials and we aim to leverage them to ensure the accomplishment of its ambitious developmental goals outlined in the Dubai Urban Plan 2040,” said Sheikh Hamdan.
“Our vision is for Dubai to stand out as the best destination to live, work and visit, an objective achieved through genuine efforts and creative ideas dedicated to transforming aspirations into achievements that benefit citizens, residents, and visitors.”
The Hatta Master Development Plan, part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, sets out to attract more tourism, business and investment to the area.
