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Dubai to plough $350mn into Hatta development

Dubai has unveiled plans to transform the Hatta area near the border with Oman into a major tourist destination.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday launched a AED 1.3bn ($350mn) development plan for the mountainous area, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The plan aims to boost the area’s social and economic attractiveness as a world-class environmental tourist destination, the report said. It will cover three key areas, including economic and service sector, tourism and sports, and culture and education. A dedicated board will oversee the plan and co-ordinate among various government entities.

“The UAE’s development plan is on track to achieve ambitious objectives across various economic, social and cultural sectors that mainly aim to serve citizens and the nation,” HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said.

Simultaneously Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) said it would build the first hydroelectric power plant in the GCC in the Hatta area.

The 250MW plant will tap into two reservoirs, DEWA said in a statement. The first is the 1.7 million gallon (7,700 m3) lower reservoir located in Al Hattawi Dam and the second is the upper reservoir, which will be built at 700 metres above sea level.

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