Construction work is under way on a Dh46 million waterfall attraction in Hatta which will be at the heart of the Dubai beauty spot's ambitious tourism drive.
The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls Project was first announced last year by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, as part of a major push to promote Hatta as a leading destination.
Hatta, an exclave of Dubai high in the Hajar mountains, on the border with Oman, has been central to the UAE's world's coolest winter initiative, which aims to encourage more people to explore the Emirates.
Hatta has been named “The Highlands of Dubai” in a tourism campaign that began on Sunday.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is overseeing the striking waterfall scheme.
The authority did not reveal when work on the project will be complete.
An upper dam's slope will be used to create the waterfall. Water will be collected at the end of the stream, recycled and pumped back into the dam.
The area will include recreational spaces and restaurants.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and chief executive of Dewa, said: “Dewa is implementing pioneering projects in Hatta in line with the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for comprehensive and sustainable development all over Dubai, and to transform Hatta into a tourism and investment hub, while preserving its heritage."
"The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project aims to create a sustainable natural environment, in addition to developing the area and turning it into recreational spaces and a tourist attraction in the UAE.
"The idea began with creating a natural water stream aligning with Hatta’s nature. Investment opportunities abound with four oases that have coffee shops, restaurants, and children’s playgrounds, in addition to shops for selling natural honey, local products and souvenirs. The shops will be given as grants from Sheikh Mohammed to the citizens of Hatta to create additional job opportunities and meet the needs of social, economic and environmental development,”
The hexagonal beehive design of the waterfall was inspired by Hatta's status as a hub for high quality honey.
The project’s oases are linked with bridges crossing the water canal, creating a picturesque scene for visitors.
High hopes for Hatta
Images released by Dubai Media Office on Sunday highlighted some of the developments taking shape under the Hatta Master Development Plan.
These include plans for Hatta Souq, a space that will house shops selling local farm produce, cafes, restaurants and entertainment spaces.
As part of the tourism campaign, 11.5km of cycling trails have been developed, stretching from Hatta bus station to Hatta Dam.
Known for its greenery, the region’s natural landscape has been boosted by the addition of more than 13,000 indigenous trees.
Planning is also under way for the much anticipated Hatta Beach Project. Designed as a year-round tourist destination, it will be home to the Crystal Lagoon — an artificial lake with a beach area where leisure and entertainment facilities will attract travellers, along with shoreline activities and watersports.
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
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November 1-3: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Formula One)
November 28-30: Dubai International Rally
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HAEMOGLOBIN DISORDERS EXPLAINED
Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.
Haemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen and a lack of it triggers anemia, leaving patients very weak, short of breath and pale.
The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.
The condition mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Saudi Arabia recorded 45,892 cases of carriers between 2004 and 2014.
A World Health Organisation study estimated that globally there are at least 950,000 'new carrier couples' every year and annually there are 1.33 million at-risk pregnancies.
