Projects to bring tourism and economic benefits to Sharjah and Hatta
A waterfront promenade with cycling and walking tracks in Sharjah and heritage projects in Hatta aim to draw in tourists and keep residents healthy.
Watersports facilities will be part of the project to transform 3.3 kilometres of beach in Sharjah into exercise zones with shaded areas, where residents and their children can pause for a break.
The development project will stretch along Sharjah Beach Road from the Ajman border to the Sharjah Ladies Club, and has been approved by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
Parking spots for about 1,100 vehicles on both sides of the road will ensure congestion is eased in the area.
A year after being announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, a separate Dh1.3 billion plan to turn the mountain city of Hatta into a worldclass tourist destination is proceeding according to plan, a statement said.
The project involves setting up live cameras that will allow tourists to explore traditional markets and heritage areas.
The Hatta Heritage Inn and Market and Hatta Life projects will allow visitors to watch as 360-degree cameras installed in two strategic locations provide a live feed from forts and ancient souqs.
The wide-ranging Hatta programme covers infrastructure, and construction of homes, shops, a residential complex for government employees and a playground project.
Hatta’s honey festival was attracting beekeepers from across the country and the region, said Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality.
Improving infrastructure along with building tourist projects in the Al Sheraa heritage area were part of long-term improvements planned, Mr Lootah said.
Other projects in Hatta include a 250-megawatt hydroelectric power station that will make use of the water stored in the Hatta Dam.
It has been described as the first of its kind in the region by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
Saeed Al Tayer, Dewa’s managing director, said the project would contribute to achieving the 2050 Dubai Clean Energy Strategy.
To encourage the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, charging stations will be set up for residents. Building owners are also being urged to install solar panels in 640 villas by next year as part of the Shams Dubai initiative.
The transformation of Hatta will create employment in the technical, administrative and operations sectors, support young Emirati entrepreneurs, and provide more than 2,000 jobs during the implementation of the projects.
About 400 homes being built for Emiratis at a cost of Dh565 million will be handed over next year.