Ruler of Dubai unveils tourism plan for Hatta, including beach and mountain railway

A cable-driven system will take visitors up the Hajar Mountains

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

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

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

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

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  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

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

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  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.

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

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

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

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

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  Hatta Master Development Plan includes a cable-driven mountain railway

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

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

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

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

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  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

The town of Hatta is to be transformed into a major tourism destination, with an inland beach, lake and cable-driven mountain railway.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the latest vision for the town on Saturday.

Hatta, near the border with Oman, has in recent years been transformed into an adventure getaway, with mountain biking and kayaking popular activities.

Now it will be the subject of major investment to turn it into an even bigger destination for residents and tourists.

“Today, we launched a comprehensive development plan in Hatta, which includes the construction of a beach and a new lake, and transport systems for the mountain slopes – a funicular [cable railway]," he said, “and the longest mountain walk in the Emirates".

In addition, there will be new “hotel facilities, and 120 kilometres of bicycle paths … we have approved a permanent committee to oversee the development of Hatta,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The projects were unveiled as part of a 20-year Hatta Master Development Plan, which forms an integral part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, launched earlier this year.

A major part of the plan will develop Hatta Beach Project, a year-round tourist destination, while at the same time conserving the heritage and natural environment of the area.

The plan will develop a mountainside health resort and the first tourist funicular system of its kind in the region that will transport visitors to the dam site.

A mountainside health resort will be built to provide tourists opportunities to practise sports and activities well-suited to Hatta’s terrain.

Public transport services to Hatta will be improved, with a new bus service that includes a compartment for bicycles and scooters. It envisages a new ride-sharing service and the provision of an on-demand bus service that will allow visitors to tour various heritage sites.

As well as the 120km network that will connecting key attractions and residential areas, the plan also includes the construction of the longest mountain bike track in the UAE, capable of hosting international competitions and events.

The plan will help young entrepreneurs in the locality to implement projects and creative ideas.

The Hatta Master Development Plan includes a cable-driven mountain railway.

Hatta, high in the Hajar Mountains, has an oasis feel, with temperatures often cooler and with less humidity than the cities of Dubai and Sharjah.

Plans coming to fruition for the town include a waterfall and mountain viewing platform, scheduled for completion next year. A luxury caravan and camping site opened this month.

Hatta mountain viewing platform - in pictures

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  Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled details of six new tourism projects in Hatta. Twitter / @HHShkMohd

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  Designs include a 5.4-kilometre cable car system, a sustainable waterfall attraction, an international hotel and new hiking tracks up to Jabal Umm Al Nusour – Dubai's highest peak at 1,300 metres. Courtesy Twitter / @HHShkMohd

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  There are also plans to build 200 holiday homes to support domestic tourism. Courtesy Twitter / @HHShkMohd

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  The aim is to turn Hatta into a major tourist destination. Courtesy Twitter / @HHShkMohd

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  Deborah Thomson, general manager of JA Hatta Fort Hotel, believes the region could become a bucket list location. Photo: JA Hatta Fort Hotel