Dubai 2040 Urban Plan: Sheikh Hamdan orders start of Hatta development

Desert town will be transformed into a major tourism destination

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

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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has issued orders to form a supreme committee to oversee the development of the Hatta region.

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 cable-driven mountain railway.

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

Now it is the subject of major investment to turn it into an even bigger destination for residents and tourists, and the new committee will be responsible for all the development work to make it a world-class tourism hub.

The committee will ensure all developmental work is done in a sustainable way and no harm is caused to the environment and historical sites in the area, Dubai Media Office said on Thursday.

What are the plans for Hatta?

In October 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the vision for Hatta.

There are plans to construct a beach, a new lake, a cable railway, several hotels, and 120 kilometres of bicycle paths.

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

A waterfall and mountain viewing platform is scheduled for completion this year.

There are plans to introduce a new bus service that includes a compartment for bicycles and scooters. A new ride-sharing service and the provision of on-demand bus service is expected. It will allow visitors to tour various heritage sites.

A luxury caravan and camping site opened in October 2021.

How does Hatta plan fit into Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan?

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aims to transform the emirate and create a city that balances community with tourism and modernity with heritage and nature.

The Hatta Development Plan, which is a part of Dubai's wider plan, seeks to develop and raise the profile of Hatta's natural and tourism attractions, as well as protect its environment.

A sustainable hydro-electric power plant will be built. People in the area will be given the opportunity to help promote tourism and preserve Hatta's natural beauty - with the aim of increasing tourism and agriculture that contributes to the region's GDP by 32 per cent.

At least 78 per cent of Hatta will be designated as conservation reserves, as the population is expected to double by 2040.

What will be the committee’s tasks and powers?

• It will draw up the general policy for the development of the Hatta region and supervise and implement the development of projects.
• The committee will work on providing high-quality services in the area for residents and visitors.
• It will also be responsible for encouraging investment in Hatta and making sure there are investor-friendly services available.
• The resolution said the committee should ensure that there are direct communication channels between the relevant government agencies so that projects are completed on time.
• Organise activities and events that support the developmental work.
• To propose and review draft legislation that will help in achieving the committee’s objectives.
• Ensure there is proper co-ordination between the relevant local and federal departments and agencies.
• Prepare a promotional and marketing plan for Hatta for the local and international markets.
• The Supreme Committee will form sub-committees and working teams and assist them in performing their tasks.

Tourism projects planned for Hatta - in pictures

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

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

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

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

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