A Dhs3.6 billion transformation is underway… 

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has paid a visit to the scenic hills of Hatta to review progress of the areas Dhs3.6 billion transformation.

The Ruler of Dubai, accompanied by key senior officials, assessed the progress of some 65 development initiatives that are underway in Hatta, as well as visiting Hatta Winter Festival – a 40-day celebration of the great outdoors running until January 22.

Speaking of the projects, Sheikh Mohammed said, “Our objective is to make Hatta a global model for harmony between humans and nature, driven by innovation in sustainable development.”

Hatta Master Development Plan

Some 65 initiatives, with a total value of Dhs3.6 billion, are underway in Hatta, and 41 of those are already complete. They’re all part of the wider Hatta Master Development Plan, which is designed to enhance services for residents and visitors.

Hatta Winter Festival

While many residents have already discovered the charms and allure of Hatta’s natural beauty, the Hatta Winter Festival further aims to cement it as a must-visit winter destination. Running until January 22, the Hatta Winter Festival line-up includes a theatrical fireworks show (Fri and Sat, 8pm) over the iconic sign each weekend, 120 different workshops, live music, the spectacular Hatta Mountain Light Show, pop-up restaurants (including Salt and Sadeem), and a range of cultural experiences. Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on all of these initiatives during his visit.

Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls

During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed also unveiled the Hatta Sustainable Waterfall project, a stunning new waterfall that descends from the Hatta Dam. The project features the world’s largest mosaic panel on the waterfalls slope, covering 2,200 square metres, and arranged out of 1.2 million pieces of natural marble to look like the UAE’s founding fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Coming soon to Hatta

Designed to further add year-round appeal in Hatta, a string of exciting new megaprojects are also in the pipeline – which the Dubai Ruler also got updates on during his visit. These include the Hatta Beach project, a 53,000 square metre destination complete with a 10,000 square metre beach, an artificial lagoon, cycling tracks, restaurants and an outdoor cinema. Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on the development of new hotels and restaurants, the Hatta Downtown Project, and the Hatta Dam Amphitheatre. A sports club, hospital, school and wedding hall will also form part of the masterplan, which will take shape over the next few years.

Expanded cycling and mountain bike trails, a hydroeletric power station, and the Dubai Mountain Peak cable car were also projects Sheikh Mohammed received status reports on.

Images: Dubai Media Office