Dubai breaks world record with Hatta sign that is taller than Hollywood's

Dubai Holding sign measures 19.28 metres tall

Guinness World Records has awarded Dubai Holding's sign the title of 'Tallest Landmark Sign'. Photo: Dubai Media Office

The Hollywood-style Hatta mountain marker in Dubai has broken the record for the tallest landmark sign.

Sitting on top of the Hajar Mountains, the Hatta sign, which measures 19.28 metres tall, welcomes visitors to one of the UAE's fastest-developing tourist areas.

Guinness World Records has awarded Dubai Holding's sign the title of “Tallest Landmark Sign”.

The Hatta sign is taller than the famed Hollywood sign, which measures 13.7 metres. Like its US counterpart, it lights up the night sky.

It can only be reached on foot and takes about 30 minutes to hike from Hatta Wadi Hub.

Located close to the Oman border, Hatta has already become an adventure getaway, with mountain biking and kayaking among the many popular activities on offer.

The Hatta Master Development Plan, part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, has set out to draw further tourism, business and investment to the area.

Hatta sign can only be reached on foot and takes about 30 minutes to hike from Hatta Wadi Hub. Chris Whiteoak / The National

In October 2021, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled a bold vision for Hatta to build a beach, a new lake, a cable railway, several hotels and 120km of bicycle paths.

Months later, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, issued orders to form a supreme committee to oversee the mega project.

In December, Dubai Tourism launched a campaign called “The Highlands of Dubai” designed to highlight the cooler climes and natural beauty of the mountainous exclave.

New developments at Hatta are designed to enhance the well-being of residents and create new experiences for visitors.

Sheikh Mohammed in February visited the Hatta Souq, which combines modern and traditional character in its design.

It includes seven shops, six indoor and seven outdoor kiosks, 42 sales platforms, a large store, eight food carts, a children's playground, outdoor seating and green spaces, prayer rooms for men and women, and public facilities.

The souq enables residents to display their craft products, agricultural produce and commercial projects.

Planning is also under way for the much-anticipated Hatta Beach Project.

Designed as a year-round tourist destination, it will be home to the Crystal Lagoon – an artificial lake with a beach area with leisure and entertainment facilities as well as shoreline activities and watersports.

Tourism plan unveiled for Hatta – in pictures

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