A 5-year Master Development Plan for the Hatta region in the UAE was approved by Sheikh Mohammed.

After several years, the Hatta mountain region in Dubai will become an important tourist destination with a lake, an inland beach, a funicular railway and the longest mountain bike trail in the country. The 5-year Hatta Master Development Plan was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The main goal of the development plan is to turn Hatta into a popular local and international destination for investments and business projects. There are currently 4 pillars of the plan: tourism, sustainability, well-being and sports and entertainment.

Sheikh Mohammed informed the nation that a supreme committee was approved in order to oversee the development of Hatta. The committee has been formed to govern and implement the initiatives and projects of the area, to launch the tourism programmes and economic development, and to support projects which are initiated by the youth. Moreover, the launch of the Hatta Beach Project, will create new opportunities for the private sector in terms of investments.

It is worth noting that Hatta has become a popular destination for those who want to take a road trip in order to explore the area, go mountain biking or kayaking, however it is expected that the development of the project will transform Hatta into a larger centre of tourism. According to the master plan, a funicular railway will be able to accommodate one million riders annually, which will be a completely new concept for the region.

The development of Hatta is one of the main parts of Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which was launched earlier this year. The goal of this initiative is to expand recreational and green areas in Dubai and to improve the welfare of the emirate’s citizens. Moreover, another goal of Dubai’s 2040 plan is to preserve the natural environment of Hatta.

Several roadside hotels, which are managed by local residents, are available for tourists. Sheikh Mohammed has launched the Local Farming Experience Programme for improving the local agricultural system in the area as well, where the initiative will help farmers to sell their products to visitors.

The following facilities will be available in Hatta:

• The longest mountain bike track in the country, where international events and competitions will be hosted.
• A first of its kind cable-driven mountain railway (funicular) in the area.
• Hatta Beach with various facilities and services in waterfront areas.
• A mountainside health resort.
• A staircase to the dam.
• Hotels.

The master plan of the Hatta development includes key objectives such as:

• Preservation of the natural environment.
• Transformation of Hatta into a popular tourist destination.
• Promotion of mountain tourism and sport.
• Improvement of public services and facilities in the area.
• Development of a sustainable transportation system between Dubai and Haryana with the possibility for
• passengers to carry their scooters and bicycles on board.
• Deployment of tourist buses to Heritage Village, Hatta Dam, Al Tal Park and Wadi Hub.
• The launch of a smart service for rental cars on an hourly basis.
• Construction of tracks for scooters and bicycles in a 74 mi network.
• Support of young entrepreneurs who have small and medium businesses.