Construction work is underway on the multi-million waterfall attraction in Hatta which will be at the heart of Dubai’s beauty spot’s ambitious tourism drive.
Hatta, an exclave of Dubai high in the Hajar mountains, on the border with Oman, has been central to the UAE’s world’s coolest winter initiative, which aims to encourage more people to explore the Emirates.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), said the AED46-million($12.52 million) project will create a “sustainable natural environment”. It will use the slope of the upper dam of the Hatta plant to create a natural waterfall. A waterway will be built below the dam. The water used in the waterfall will be collected at the end of the stream, recycled, and pumped back to the top of the dam.
The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project aims to create a sustainable natural environment, in addition to developing the area and turning it into recreational spaces and a tourist attraction in the UAE.
The project’s design is spurred on by the hexagonal beehive — paying homage to the famous Hatta honey. It features four oases linked with bridges crossing the water canal, creating a picturesque scene for visitors. Investment opportunities abound with four oases that have coffee shops, restaurants, and children’s playgrounds, in addition to shops for selling natural honey, local products, and souvenirs.
The shops will be given as grants from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to the citizens of Hatta to create additional job opportunities and meet the needs of social, economic, and environmental development, said Al Tayer.
He was speaking after inspecting work at the project which is being built as part of Dewa’s social responsibility initiatives.
Al Tayer said: “In implementing the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project, we are keen to use the latest, most advanced, and safe technologies to suit the geological conditions of the Hatta region, taking into account the highest international environmental standards to preserve the Hatta Mountain Reserve and harmonize the project with its surroundings,”.
