HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), visited the construction sites of Dubai Mountain Peak and Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls. DEWA is implementing the two projects in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure decent living to the people of Hatta and promote its position as one of the most prominent tourist attractions across Dubai and the UAE.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved six new projects in Hatta, marking a new prosperous development phase across various sectors. This builds on the great success of the Hatta development plan, which was launched in 2016, and has made Hatta a leading tourist destination. These projects will contribute to the overall development of the Hatta region, and turning it into an attractive tourist destination locally and internationally these pioneering and innovative projects, which will promote sustainable development.

Nasser Lootah, Executive Vice President of Generation at DEWA; Khalifa Albedwawi, project manager, and the project team accompanied Al Tayer.

During the visit, Al Tayer was briefed by the project manager on the latest developments related to the engineering designs of the Dubai Mountain Peak project, the time plan, and the challenges at the site and how to overcome them. Specialised international consultants have been appointed to ensure project is implemented according to the highest international standards of quality, safety, and security.

“We are guided by the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Hatta into a tourism and investment hub, while preserving the city’s heritage and attractive nature. DEWA implements pioneering projects in Hatta, through which we aim to develop the region and meet the needs of social, economic and environmental development, in addition to providing innovative job opportunities for the citizens of the region and enhancing community happiness. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and taking into account the unique geology of the Hatta region, we are implementing the Dubai Mountain Peak and Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls projects in accordance with highest international environmental standards. Our aim is to preserve the Hatta Mountain Reserve, and to harmonize both projects with their surroundings in the Hatta region. The projects will offer a unique experience for UAE tourists and show the beauty of the mountainous regions of the country,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer explained that the projects implemented by DEWA in Hatta will provide about 200 jobs in the technical, administrative and operational fields, and over 300 jobs in the visitor center, outdoor activities and tourism facilities associated with the project.

The holiday homes will generate an annual income of over AED100 million for the people of the region.

“The projects will contribute to an overall development in the Hatta region, especially the Dubai Mountain Peak, which includes the construction of a 5.4-kilometre cable car to transport tourists to the summit of Um Al Nesoor. At 1,300 metres above sea level, it is the highest natural summit in Dubai. The project is expected to be a major tourist attraction in the UAE. The cable car route passes over the Hatta Dam lake and the upper dam lake, which are parts of the Hatta pumped storage hydroelectricity plant currently under construction, as well as over the mountains. The route ends at the summit of the Um Al Nesoor mountain,” added Al Tayer.

The project features three main stops. The departure station will be built on an upper platform above the Hatta Dam. Tourists can reach it using an advanced transportation system from to the car park. The intermediate stop will have a viewing platform and facilities to serve tourists, as well as a luxury hotel that will be built according to the highest specifications and standards. The top station will include a panoramic viewing platform and facilities for tourists as well as suites from the main hotel. The project also includes hiking tracks and recreational facilities in addition to other world-class tourism services.

Al Tayer also reviewed progress of the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project. The project started in May 2021. The Concept model of waterfalls was completed and approved. Preliminary study design is completed and approved as well. The consultant is progressing with materials specifications, final design and tender documents. The tender will be floated in 4th week of September 2021 and tendered. Expected to finalize award of works to contractor by mid November 2021 and construction to complete by mid November 2022.

The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project will use the slope of the upper dam to create a natural waterfall. A waterway will be built along the parking area 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. Fish bred in the stream will provide an additional attraction for tourists and families. The area will be developed to create recreational spaces and restaurants.