The Executive Council of Dubai said the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, which involves a series of projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing a number of key sectors, is progressing according to schedule.

Launched last year by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dh1.3 billion ($354 million) plan is being implemented by a number of Dubai Government entities including Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai SME, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment.

The Government of Dubai Media Office is tasked with overseeing the media aspect of the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan through its Media Communication Committee.

The Government of Dubai Media Office

Tasked with implementing an extensive media strategy for the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, the Government of Dubai Media Office set up the Media Communication Committee to take care of the media related issues of the project.

Comprising communication representatives from the main entities involved in the Plan, the committee reviews innovative ideas and suggestions to provide communication support for the Plan using both traditional media outlets and social media platforms.

Adding a touch of creativity to the ambitious Plan, Brand Dubai – the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office – commissioned artists to paint the largest mural in the world on Hatta dam. The 80mx30m mural portrays the founding fathers of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Dubai Municipality

As part of implementing the first group of its projects to enhance the urban infrastructure and support the growth of entrepreneurs and businesses in Hatta, Dubai Municipality organised the Hatta Honey Festival in the first quarter of 2017. It also launched an Emiratisation programme and scholarship.

Dubai Municipality’s projects include developing the ‘Al Sheraa’ heritage area, constructing 30 environmentally-friendly public rest houses, and building a series of pathways between farms across Hatta to provide tourists and visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature. Extending two kilometres, the pathways pass through many major tourist attractions such as the Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta Kayak and Hatta Dam.

Another project ‘Hatta Live’ uses a number of cameras to broadcast 360-degree live views of Hatta’s stunning landscapes. Dubai Municipality is also building a number of shops, a housing complex for government employees and children’s play areas.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa)
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) reported significant progress in design, hydro-geological, geological, environmental, geotechnical, and engineering studies for a hydroelectric power station that will make use of the water stored in the Hatta Dam. The 250 MW project, the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf, supports the objectives of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050.

Dewa has also awarded the tender for development, engineering, procurement, construction, operational services, maintenance, and installation of solar photovoltaic systems in 640 villas owned by Emiratis in Hatta.

Roads & Transport Authority
A key player in the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, the Roads & Transport Authority has announced the Hatta Gate project, an artwork that will be located on the main Dubai - Hatta road. The artwork features a unique design that reflects Hatta’s character and natural features.

RTA is currently building a key road linking Dubai and Hatta via Lehbab at an estimated cost of around Dh55 million. In a couple of years, the RTA will design and construct roads in the Makan residential and Crushers areas in Hatta at an estimated cost of Dh30 million. Furthermore, the Roads & Transport Authority has set up libraries in four schools in Hatta, as part of a plan to support educational development in the area.

Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing

The Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing launched the ‘Emirati Tourist Guide Programme’ to provide training and certification for young men and women who like to pursue a career in tourism.

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

Dubai Culture & Arts Authority’s contribution to the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan includes a comprehensive programme that focuses on highlighting the identity of Hatta through art and cultural activities. The authority provided substantial support for the Hatta Heritage Festival, which featured over 48 activities such as exhibitions of traditional arts and crafts, dresses and wedding garments. The festival also featured a poetry recitation event that saw the participation of famous local Nabati poets.

Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)

The Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) launched the first ‘Treasures of Hatta’ education activity, which connected students with different aspects of community living in the area as part of the Hatta Wellbeing District project.

Dubai Sports Council

The Dubai Sports Council launched a number of sports activities to enrich the sports scene in Hatta. An important phase of the fourth Dubai International Cycle Tour was held in Hatta. A walk held in Hatta saw the participation of more than 3,000 people of various age groups from Hatta and its outlying areas. Hatta was also chosen as a venue for the XDubai Spartan Race as part of boosting its attractiveness as a sporting and tourist destination. More than 3,000 people took part in the event.

Dubai SME

Dubai SME allocated 40 shops in Hatta to young Emiratis to support entrepreneurial development. Some of the projects supported by Dubai SME include a honey-packing factory and a kayaking sports venue. It also provides training courses in project management and entrepreneurial skills.

Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment started work on Phase I of a project to construct 400 houses for Emiratis at a cost of Dh565 million. The project is expected to be completed by late 2018. – TradeArabia News Service