Sheikh Mohammed hails Dh3.6bn master plan to transform Hatta

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday set out the emirate's ambitions to turn Hatta into a "global model for harmony between humans and nature" after reviewing progress on a Dh3.6 billion master plan for the enclave.

Sheikh Mohammed unveiled the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project, which is at the heart of efforts to boost tourism and draw further investment to the beauty spot.

The landmark project, being led by Dubai Water and Electricity Authority, features a spectacular waterfall descending from the Hatta Dam and a vast mosaic panel recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind.

Covering 2,200 square metres and crafted from 1.2 million pieces of natural marble, the mosaic pays tribute to the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late ruler of Dubai.

The waterfall attraction, one of 65 initiatives under the rapidly developing Hatta Master Development Plan, is lined with retail stores and food and beverage outlets.

Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on other Dewa plans for Hatta, including a 250 megawatt pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant, the 30 million gallon water reservoir, the strategic water interconnection projects with other emirates, and the Shams Dubai Initiative, which encourages residents and businesses to install photovoltaic panels on rooftops to generate solar energy and connect to Dewa's electricity grid.

"Our projects empower people, create opportunities and ensure prosperity," said Sheikh Mohammed, in remarks reported by Dubai Media Office.

"Our objective is to make Hatta a global model for harmony between humans and nature, driven by innovation in sustainable development."

Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed on his tour by Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the Roads and Transport Authority and chairman of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, and Saeed Al Tayer, chief executive of Dewa, and other senior officials.

Sheikh Mohammed was also told of the progress of other initiatives in Hatta, being implemented in partnership with the private sector. These include the Hatta Beach project, covering 53,000 square metres, which aims to turn the area into a year-round tourist destination. It features a 10,000-square-metre beach, an artificial "Crystal Lagoon", service facilities, rest areas, pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks, restaurants, food trucks and an outdoor cinema, in addition to swimming and water sports activities.

Nature tourism drive

The Hatta Master Development Plan, part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, sets out to draw further tourism, business and investment to the area.

In October 2021, Sheikh Mohammed first unveiled the bold new vision for Hatta in October 2021, with plans to construct a beach, a new lake, a cable railway, several hotels and 120km of bicycle paths.

In January 2022, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, issued orders to form a supreme committee to oversee the development of the Hatta region.