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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
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Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
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Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
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How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
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Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 571bhp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh431,800
Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 455bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: from Dh431,800
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Ticket prices
General admission Dh295 (under-three free)
Buy a four-person Family & Friends ticket and pay for only three tickets, so the fourth family member is free
Buy tickets at: wbworldabudhabi.com/en/tickets
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Cofe
Year started: 2018
Based: UAE
Employees: 80-100
Amount raised: $13m
Investors: KISP ventures, Cedar Mundi, Towell Holding International, Takamul Capital, Dividend Gate Capital, Nizar AlNusif Sons Holding, Arab Investment Company and Al Imtiaz Investment Group
The specs
Engine: 3.6 V6
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Power: 295bhp
Torque: 353Nm
Price: Dh155,000
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
