Mountain lodge, ‘trailers’ hotel, among new projects set to be opened in Hatta

Dubai developer Meraas has announced plans to open several new projects in the mountain town of Hatta, including retail and hospitality offerings.

The developer said the projects were aimed at boosting eco-tourism in Hatta, with the first phase scheduled to open in the last quarter of 2018.

A giant ‘Hatta’ sign located at an elevation of around 450 metres in the Hajjar Mountains will be the first project.

An adventure centre and an interactive tourism information hub are also set to open in the town, to connect visitors, tour guides and residents, a statement said.

The first phase of the development also includes a mountain lodge with 20 rooms offering views of the surrounding landscape.

A new ‘trailers’ hotel is also set to open on the banks of the Hatta dam, which will allow visitors to camp.

The developments are located away from residential areas to “preserve the privacy and lifestyle of the people of Hatta”, Meraas said.

As part of the second phase, Meraas said additional hospitality and retail facilities will be opened. No further details were disclosed.

Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman at Meraas, said: “Hatta is known for its beautiful scenery – mountains, lakes, wadis, farms, dams and fresh air.

“Supporting and enhancing the integration of leisure, hospitality, tourism and transportation is key to transforming this highly popular destination into a world-class area that offers families a diverse leisure experience.”

He added: “We have worked to establish effective partnerships between Meraas and the people of Hatta in order to ensure projects meet the aspirations of present and future generations and that the area is equipped to receive more visitors to historical, social and cultural heritage sites, as well as indulge in a distinctive shopping experience of handicrafts and agriculture products and enjoy authentic Emirati cuisine in Hatta.”

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Dubai Municipality completes first phase of Hatta Hiking project

The new projects are part of the Dhs1.3bn Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan that was officially launched by UAE Prime Minister and Vice President and Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November in 2016.

The 10-year plan aims to turn Hatta into a major tourist destination, with numerous government entities working to enhance the region’s tourism, culture, sports, education and hospitality sectors.

The plan includes creating winter sports facilities, hiking trails, a cultural festival, hundreds of homes for Emiratis, scholarships for young people and a hydroelectric power station.

Read more: Sheikh Mohammed announces Dhs1.3bn Hatta tourism plan