Dubai forms Hatta Traders Council to support local entrepreneurs

The council will aid the Hatta Master Development Plan, which aims to turn the town into a tourism hub

The Hatta Beach Project will create new investment opportunities for the region's private sector.

The Hatta Beach Project aims to transform the area into a year-round tourist destination.

The development plan includes a five-year plan (2022-2026) to construct tracks for bicycles and scooters in a 120 km network.

A waterfall and mountain viewing platform also feature in the development plan. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Hatta has in recent years been transformed into an adventure getaway, with mountain biking and kayaking among the most popular activities. Photo: Dubai Media Office

The Hatta Master Development Plan aims to turn the area into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism. Photo: WAM

The project will create investment spaces and facilities, services, and activities for tourists in waterfront areas that will contribute to increasing visitor numbers for Hatta.

A mountainside health resort will be built as part of the development plan.

The resort will provide tourists opportunities to practise sports and activities that are suitable to Hatta’s terrain.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved the Hatta Master Development Plan. Photo: WAM

A lake and cable-driven mountain railway are also slated for the mountain town. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Hatta Master Development Plan includes a cable-driven mountain railway

The first-of-its-kind funicular (cable railway) transport system for tourists will connect the Hatta dam site with its car parking area.

The plan includes tracks for bicycles and scooters in a 120 km network connecting key attractions and residential areas.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, pictured with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, in Hatta. Photo: WAM

The Hatta plan aims to turn the area into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism. Photo: WAM

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with notables including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, at Hatta. Photo: WAM

Dubai has approved the formation of the Hatta Traders Council to support local young Emirati businesspeople and entrepreneurs as part of the Hatta Master Development Plan, which seeks to turn the town into a major tourist destination.

Under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the council will work to maximise the benefits from new economic opportunities, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, said.

The Hatta Master Development Plan, part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aims to transform the town into an attractive destination for business, investment and tourism.

This includes the construction of an inland beach, lake and a cable-driven mountain railway.

“UAE citizens are capable of leading the city’s comprehensive development and will play a key role in supporting the emirate’s economy in the next 50 years,” Sheikh Hamdan said on Saturday.

“We are confident in the ability of Emirati entrepreneurs to innovate and develop unique business ideas and projects that will contribute to raising the emirate’s competitiveness globally.”

Hatta, near the border with Oman, is already an adventure getaway — with mountain biking and kayaking popular activities.

The new 20-year development plan was unveiled last year by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

The plan will see the addition of a cable railway, the longest mountain walk in the Emirates, new hotel facilities and 120 kilometres of bicycle path, among attractions.

The Hatta Traders Council is the first of a series of initiatives that will be launched to support the ideas of young Emiratis and ensure the growth and success of their businesses, Sheikh Hamdan said.

The council will be chaired by Mana Al Kaabi with members including Ahmed Al Hashemi, Khalifa Al Bedwawi, Bakheet Al Meqbali, Majid Al Bedwawi, Khalifa Al Mutaiwei, Mohammed Al Kaabi, Khaled Abdullah Al Bedwawi, and Khaled Ali Al Bedwawi.

It is set to play a “key role in supporting young entrepreneurs who own small and medium businesses, by empowering and enabling them to implement projects and creative ideas to advance sustainable economic development” in Hatta and Dubai, a statement said.