Not only a completely sustainable source of energy but two major attractions for tourists are going to be added, featuring the Hydroelectric Power Plant at the hydropower plant in Hatta, showcased by DEWA,  the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority at the ongoing 25th exhibition of Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment.

The two major attraction includes the very first project of Hatta’s sustainable waterfall (Hatta Sustainable Waterfall Project) and the other one a cable car that is 5.4 km long. The cable car will help the visitor reach the peak of Um Al-Nesoor, which means in Arabic, the mother of Eagle Mountain, located at a height of 1,300 meters from the sea level.

The project aims to bring eco-tourism and sustainability together, which will teach the visitors to learn more about the process behind the source of clean energy in the country. Moreover, this project is an amazing set of circumstances to maintain a connection with nature. 

According to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the slop area of the upper dam of the hydropower plant will be used in the creation of the waterfall. The whole amount of the flowing water will be collected from the end sections of the steam and moved for the recycling process. During this process, the water will be recycled and forced back to the top of the dam. The circulation process will ensure a sustainable and efficient use of the available resources at the hydropower plant.

Tribute to the Founding Fathers of the United Arab Emirates

There will be a number of oases and each of them is internally linked through the bridges across the water canal, ending at a designed lake to maintain a balance in the natural underwater life. The fish production in the water stream will add a special attraction to visiting families and tourists. Additionally, there will be a dedicated play area for kids, as well as restaurants and coffee shops.

The Sustainable Waterfall Project, which is specially designed as a hexagonal beehive is a cue to the very famous Hatta Honey. The project will also pay tribute to the Founding Fathers of the United Arab Emirates. An 80m x 30m area will be dedicated to showcasing the murals of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan around the area of the waterfall project.

The Highest Natural Summit

Meanwhile, the route of the cable car has the plan to pass over the Dam Lake of Hatta and the Upper Dam Lake of the hydroelectric power station. The cable car will continue moving throughout the range of mountains and finally end and complete the journey at Um Al-Nesoor. Um Al-Nesoor, which is also the tallest natural summit in Dubai.

Bounded by the undulated peaks of the Hajar Mountain range, the cable car route at the Dubai Mountain Peak will have the stations during its one-way journey. The first and base station will be situated in the area of the lower dam; the second station will be at the upper reservoir; and the last and the final station will be at a height of 1,300 metres at the peak of Um Al-Nesoor.

Overall, it will be a magnificent glimpse to look at. Starting from the calming turquoise water source to the lushing surroundings of the coarse-grained mountain range.

Functional Within a Year

Based on some sources shared by the managing director & CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, founder and chairman of WETEX and Dubai Solar Show, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer during a media briefing on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the Hatta hydroelectric power station, the first of its kind in the region of the Gulf Cooperation Council of 250 megawatts (MW) will be fully functional within one year. 

After being fully functional, the powerplant will be capable of handling up to 1,500 megawatts per hour of energy production. The whole project is going to be completed with a total cost of  DH 1.42 Billion with a life span of a minimum of 80 years. This is a part of the goal of DEWA to activate the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 which aims to provide 100 percent of the total protection capacity of power using completely clean sources of energy by  2050.

During peak hours and at night the advanced-level turbines will be used to pump the water source to the upper reservoir from the dam using completely clean energy. Turbines, operating using the speed of the waterfall running from the upper reservoir will be used to recreate electric power through a  covered water canal which is 1.2 km long. The canal will be highly efficient and capable of generating power. It can equally store power up to 78.9% with a minimum 90 second response when there is an electricity demand.

Enhance the Local Economy

There is no declaration so far for the completion period of the two eco-friendly attractions so far. The project of the  Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls carries a cost tag worth  Dh 46 million, while there will be an issued tender to the contractors and bidders by DEWA to complete the construction of a cable car at Dubai Mountain Peak.

The project is equally designed to increase local business while growing the job opportunities for the people living in Hatta. Earlier  Dubai Electricity and Water Authority announced that it would let the local retail stores to run the business free of cost to all the Emiratis in the enclave of the mountain.

Showcasing the Beauty of the United Arab Emirates

In his previously made statements, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer conveyed the importance and significance behind all the eco-projects. He said, “Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and taking into account the unique geology of the Hatta region, we are implementing the waterfalls projects in accordance with the highest international environmental standards.”

He further added,  “Our aim is to preserve the Hatta Mountain Reserve and to harmonise the project with its surroundings. We want to offer a unique experience for UAE tourists and show the beauty of the mountainous regions of the UAE.”