HATTA // In one of the most remote outposts of Dubai emirate, residents of Hatta claim they are often overlooked when officials consider the development needs of their community.
Some are concerned that their voice will not be heard once candidates are elected to the Federal National Council after today’s election.
Surrounded by the beautiful Hajar Mountains, the small town is tucked away from view, which is the crux of the issue for residents, some of whom are forced to travel up to four hours a day to further their education.
Maher Ali Mohammed, 19, is a second year engineering student who makes the round trip to Sharjah every day. He called for improved educational options in Hatta to help keep communities together.
“I have two sisters and a brother, and we will all have had to leave Hatta to study,” he said.
“If there was somewhere here to learn, it would help keep families together for longer.”
Mr Ali Mohammed is calling for a college to be built, so young people finishing secondary school have somewhere to go to continue their studies without travelling to Dubai or Sharjah.
“Education, better buildings, roads and improved facilities are all things that need to be addressed here in Hatta,” he said.
“There are many policeman here. That makes it a very safe place to live but also means there are not many other career choices if young people want to stay.
“For some, it is difficult to leave but, for me, I need to as I want to learn and improve myself.”
Employment and educational options for young people are important issues that need to be addressed by FNC candidates.
Voters called for a clear plan to help improve facilities in the area and retain an important sense of community.
A seminar that informed people about the role the FNC played in representing the voice of the UAE was held at the Public Library Auditorium in Hatta in August.
Umm Mohammed, who was shopping with her daughter Sara, 4, said Hatta can feel isolated from the rest of Dubai and that creates problems such as a failure to attract and retain workers.
She said: “I would like to see a law to encourage house [domestic] workers we have employed to stay in Hatta for longer.
“It is too common for them to stay for just a few months, then leave. It leaves us with a problem.
“Prices for food are going up and that encourages them to go elsewhere to work, where there is more choice.
“Schools are also very intensive, as is the teaching. There is not much choice and children spend too long in the classroom rather than out on field trips.”
Umm Mohammed also wants more variety and value in shops.
“Everything here is old. The quality is either poor or it is too expensive. It feels like we are being left behind, so we have to go to Dubai,” she said.
“There is a lot of talk that things will change but there is not a lot of action.”
Ahmed Obaid, 29, a Dubai Police officer, said he will be voting for his cousin, who is a candidate in the election.
“I don’t want anything for myself but it is good if something is done for Hatta,” he said. “I would like to see someone from Hatta be elected so they can actually implement changes here in future.
“We would all like to see better facilities. At the moment, we all have to travel to find better choice.”
nwebster@thenational.ae