Dubai unveils Hatta Master Development Plan
The masterplan is built around four key pillars: wellbeing, tourism, sports & activities and sustainability
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has approved the Hatta Master Development Plan, which is said to form an integral part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
According to a statement, the Dubai 2040 masterplan was launched earlier this year to create a roadmap for enhancing infrastructure and implementing a series of development projects and initiatives across the emirate over the next 20 years. It also aims to transform Hatta into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism.
“Today, we announce the launch of the Hatta Master Development Plan with an ambitious portfolio of development projects that will serve the needs of Hatta and its residents. The initiatives cover four key strategic pillars: Wellbeing, Tourism, Sports & Activities, and Sustainability. We have approved the formation of a Supreme Committee to oversee the development of Hatta, as well as the implementation and governance of projects and initiatives, the launch of economic and tourism development programmes and support for projects initiated by the youth,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
It will be implemented as part of a five-year development plan in the initial stage, he noted.
The Hatta Master Development Plan maps out the development of the area over the next two decades and aims to promote wellbeing, generate investment opportunities for its people, support domestic tourism, attract investments, and boost public-private partnerships (PPP).
The plan’s key objectives include conserving the heritage and natural environment of the area, encouraging mountain tourism and sport, and transforming Hatta into a year-round tourist destination in line with the World’s Coolest Winter campaign.
The plan includes development of a sustainable transportation system that includes a direct bus service from Dubai to Hatta that allows passengers to carry bicycles and scooters in a compartment on board. It also envisages the provision of ride-sharing service in cooperation with the private sector and deploying tourist coaches for accessing heritage sites such as Wadi Hub, Hatta Dam, Heritage Village and Al-Tal Park.
In addition, the masterplan includes a five-year plan (2022-2026) to construct tracks for bicycles and scooters in a 120km network, connecting key attractions and residential areas. It also includes the construction of the longest mountain bike track in the UAE featuring world-class specifications that will host international competitions and events. The track will have rest-stops and integrated service facilities along its route.
