Dubai: A series of key projects, including an artificial beach, cycling tracks, express buses and more, has been implemented to enhance the wellbeing of residents and creating unique experiences for visitors.
The Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta has implemented these projects under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.
20-year masterplan
The ongoing projects form part of the Hatta Master Development Plan launched by Sheikh Mohammed to catalyse the social, economic and educational development of the region over the next 20 years. Created and implemented by the Supreme Committee, the Plan features an ‘Urban Design Manual’ that provides design guidelines for buildings in the region’s mountainous topography.
Current projects include cycling and mountain bike tracks, solutions to streamline traffic and enhance mobility, a programme for supporting local farmers and generating business opportunities for the people of Hatta, a marketplace for local products, the Hatta Beach Project and the redevelopment of the Hatta Heritage Village.
Mobility solutions
As part of further enhancing transportation to and within the area, the Supreme Committee has introduced new public and shared mobility solutions including express bus services from Dubai city to Hatta, rentals of vehicles, mobility hubs, e-hail services and electric scooters. The Committee has also implemented ‘quick traffic solutions’ for roads and parking in key tourist sites and parks and launched new public facilities to serve visitors.
Cycling tracks
Mattar Al Tayer, Dubai’s commissioner general for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Wellbeing Pillar and chairman of the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, said the committee has implemented the initial phase of a track for cycles and mountain bikes stretching 11.5km from the Hatta bus station to Hatta Dam. Work is currently under way to construct another 6km cycling track in the city.
Also, 5.5km mountain bike path that connects the transportation stations at Al Tallah Park and Al Wadi Park, passing through Hatta’s archaeological sites and Wadi Hub, will be added. The tracks link various transportation facilities and tourist attractions and enhance access to Wadi Hub and the region’s mountain trails.
Support for local farmers
“Under the directives of our leadership to provide business opportunities for the people of Hatta and enable them to contribute to the region’s development drive, the Supreme Committee has developed a programme to provide farmers guidance, resources and marketing platforms for their products. Farmers will be provided fertilisers, seeds and seedlings, and training to develop the skills, craftsmanship and project management capabilities necessary for taking advantage of business and investment opportunities,” Al Tayer said.
“As part of expanding the green cover in the region, about 13,000 indigenous trees have been planted in different areas. The greenery will enhance the scenic landscape surrounding the cycling tracks and roads.”
Hatta Souq
Work has commenced on the construction of a new Hatta Souq aimed at providing a platform for farmers and other local residents to sell their products. Blending traditional and contemporary architectural designs, the Souq is being built using both manmade and natural construction materials. The Hatta Souq will house shops selling local vegetables, fruits and products as well as cafes and restaurants, entertainment areas and spaces for food carts.
Hatta Beach
The development of the Hatta Beach Project forms part of efforts to raise the region’s status as a major tourist destination and create attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The project includes the Crystal Lagoon, an artificial lake with a beach area. The waterfront of the Hatta Beach will accommodate leisure and entertainment facilities, and services, and activities for tourists.
‘Hatta, The Highlands of Dubai’
The Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta has also launched the ‘Hatta, The Highlands of Dubai’ campaign, which aims to highlight the attractions, activities and experiences that make the region one of Dubai’s most distinctive destinations. The initiative is aligned with the broader #DubaiDestinations campaign as well as the World’s Coolest Winter campaign.
The campaign will highlight the pleasant climate and breathtaking natural beauty of the picturesque mountain region, located away from the din of the city, 130km southeast of Dubai. Furthermore, the campaign will shed light on the history of the region. According to researcher and historian Hamad Sultan Mohammad Hamdan Al-Maidi Al-Badwawi, the history of the region dates back 2000 to 3000 years. Called Al Hajareen in ancient times, the region was an ancient crossing for caravans and famous for its historical, agricultural and commercial landmarks.
More attractions
The ‘Hatta, The Highlands of Dubai’ campaign will also showcase the area’s diverse attractions including Hatta Dam, Hatta Heritage Village, historical sites and customs and traditions. The Hatta Dam is a natural reserve, set amidst picturesque valleys, most notably Wadi Al Qahfi. The Hatta Lake formed by the Hatta Dam is a unique hotspot for kayaking, water cycling and boating. The Hatta Dam is also a base for international sporting events, such as the Dubai International Cycling Tour.
The Hatta Heritage Village is currently being redeveloped to highlight the culture, history and customs of Hatta. Opened in 2001, the Village, which has about 30 ancient buildings, brings to life Dubai’s heritage with reconstructed huts and buildings selling traditional ware. Built using mountain stones, mud and palm trunks, the Village was designed to resemble an ancient village in the region.
Historical monuments
The Hatta campaign will also highlight the area’s historical monuments including the Hatta South Tower and the Hatta North Tower; the region’s two main forts, the Mountain Fortress and the Al-Hara Fortress; and the Davidic Aflaj, an ancient irrigation system. Hatta has seven massive underground Aflajs (channels) built for streamlining the flow of underground water.
Hatta also has three famous old mosques: Al Hail Mosque, Al Wali Mosque, and most notably, Al Sharia Mosque, which was constructed more than 200 years ago.
Nature’s appeal
The new campaign will highlight Hatta’s scenic natural landscapes and parks. The region is surrounded by picturesque mountains from all directions, in addition to valleys like Wadi Al Hattawi, Wadi Al Majarra, Wadi Jema, and Wadi Hatta.
The campaign will showcase Hatta’s parks including Tallah Park, a hillside garden located in the residential area of Hatta Hill. A unique park in terms of topography, height, ambience and facilities, the Park is one of the most beautiful green areas in the emirate.
The Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta was established pursuant to a Resolution issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed. The General Commissioner for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar in Dubai chairs the Committee, and the Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism serves as his deputy.
Members of the Committee include the Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); the Director General of Dubai Municipality; the Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; the CEO of the Engineering Office; the CEO of Dubai Municipality’s Planning & Governance Sector as well as representatives from the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The Committee is responsible for developing the broad policy framework for the Hatta Master Development Plan, and overseeing the implementation, governance and development of projects, initiatives, programmes, activities and events aimed at serving the needs of residents and visitors. The Committee is also responsible for tracking the progress of the Plan according to a set of key performance indicators, and ensuring it adheres to government priorities, directives, and objectives.
