Dubai begins construction on $12.5mn Hatta waterfall attraction

The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls Project, which was first announced in 2021 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, is aimed at promoting Hatta as a leading destination.

Hatta, which was recently named as the ‘The Highlands of Dubai’, will see the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), overlooking the waterfall.

Details on when the project will be complete are still yet to be revealed.

The waterfall will be created using an upper dam’s slope, where water will be collected at the end of the stream, recycled and pumped back into the dam.

The new area will also see recreational spaces and restaurants.

“DEWA is implementing pioneering projects in Hatta in line with the vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for comprehensive and sustainable development all over Dubai, and to transform Hatta into a tourism and investment hub, while preserving its heritage,” DEWA chief executive officer and managing director Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said.

Al Tayer further explained: “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 idea began with creating a natural water stream aligning with Hatta’s nature. 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 Sheikh Mohammed to the citizens of Hatta to create additional job opportunities and meet the needs of social, economic and environmental development,” Al Tayer added.

The waterfall’s hexagonal beehive design was also inspired by Hatta’s brand of being a destination for high-quality honey.

The project will also see oases linked with bridges crossing the water canal.