Hatta, one of Dubai’s most beautiful mountain regions, is getting a fresh boost for its people and its future. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Emiratis living in Hatta will receive free retail spaces for one year at the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project.
This step is designed to help local citizens start or grow their businesses without worrying about rent. It also supports tourism, creates jobs, and ensures that Hatta develops in a way that keeps its culture and traditions alive.
The initiative is part of Dubai’s big development plans, including the Dubai 2040 Urban
Master Plan, the Hatta Development Master Plan, Dubai Social Agenda 33, and Dubai Economic Agenda D33. These plans aim to make Dubai one of the top global cities while ensuring that every community benefits.
Leadership that Puts People First
Dubai’s leaders have always focused on people before projects. The free retail space initiative proves once again that the government wants to give Emiratis real opportunities to succeed.
Hatta is already loved for its mountains, cool climate, and cultural history. Now, with this project, it is being transformed into a place where business and tourism grow together. By removing the cost of rent for one year, the government is encouraging citizens to take bold steps and try out new business ideas.
This leadership style shows how Dubai mixes vision with action supporting locals, preserving culture, and building sustainable growth.
The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls: A Unique Destination
The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project is more than just a tourist attraction. It is an experience that connects nature, history, and modern development.
At its heart lies a stunning feature the world’s largest natural marble mosaic mural, covering more than 2,199 square meters with 1.2 million marble pieces. The mural pays tribute to the UAE’s founding leaders, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Water cascades beautifully from the upper dam of the Hatta Hydroelectric Plant, turning the area into a lively and refreshing destination. By adding retail spaces, the project is expanding into a business hub where both residents and visitors can enjoy shopping, food, and cultural activities.
Fourteen New Business Opportunities for Emiratis
The new initiative creates 14 retail and commercial spaces inside the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project. Together, these cover 750 square meters and include:
- Four restaurants offering Emirati, Arabic, Western, and traditional dishes.
- Four shops for souvenirs, local crafts, and essential goods.
- Six kiosks for drinks, snacks, and quick bites.
These spaces give Hatta residents a chance to show their hospitality, culture, and creativity to visitors. Tourists can enjoy authentic Emirati food, take home unique handmade souvenirs, and experience the warm culture of the community.
Most importantly, because the spaces are free for a year, residents do not face the usual financial risks of starting a business. They can focus fully on building their brands and providing great customer service.
Part of Dubai’s Bigger Vision
This initiative is not just about shops. It is a carefully designed step that connects to Dubai’s long-term strategies:
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: Improving quality of life and creating sustainable communities.
Hatta Development Master Plan: Making Hatta a hub for eco-tourism, adventure, and local businesses.
Dubai Social Agenda 33: Ensuring stronger families, better opportunities, and social wellbeing.
Dubai Economic Agenda D33: Doubling Dubai’s economy and placing it among the top three global cities.
By giving locals control of business opportunities, the government makes sure that Hatta’s growth benefits its own people first.
Helping Families and Small Businesses
Many families in Hatta already run small home-based businesses like cooking, farming, or handicrafts. But most of them have never had the chance to operate in a busy tourist location.
This project changes that. With retail spaces available for free, families can now test their business ideas in a real marketplace full of visitors.
According to Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, this is the first time such opportunities are being offered in the Hatta Dam area. He explained that the goal is to empower citizens, create new jobs, and support productive families.
This is not only about money it is about giving people the confidence to dream bigger and turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
Boosting Tourism and Local Economy
Hatta has always attracted tourists with its natural beauty. Activities like kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking already make it popular. The Sustainable Waterfalls project adds another layer by turning the dam area into a cultural and commercial hub.
Visitors will now be able to enjoy both nature and shopping. Imagine kayaking on Hatta Lake in the morning, enjoying an Emirati meal in the afternoon, and buying souvenirs from a local family in the evening.
This combination creates a complete tourist experience that keeps people coming back while ensuring that money spent in Hatta stays in the local community.
Easy Application Process for Emiratis
The opportunity is open to all Emiratis living in Hatta. Dubai Municipality has created a simple online application process at www.dm.gov.ae/business.
An evaluation committee will review the applications based on fair and clear rules. This ensures that the retail spaces go to those who are most ready and most committed to serving the community and tourists.
The process also encourages young entrepreneurs and women-led businesses, giving equal chances for everyone to grow.
A New Model of Sustainable Development
The Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project shows what modern development should look like. It is not just about building new attractions but about creating an ecosystem where people, culture, and environment grow together.
By giving Emiratis the first chance to run businesses here, Dubai is proving that development is about more than profit. It is about community empowerment, cultural pride, and long-term growth.
For Hatta, this is a turning point. From being a quiet mountain town, it is now stepping into the future as a thriving hub for tourism, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Hatta’s Future Looks Bright
The decision to give Emiratis in Hatta free retail spaces for one year is more than a business move it is a promise of inclusive growth.
It strengthens Hatta’s position as one of Dubai’s most attractive destinations, while also giving its citizens the tools to build better futures. The project brings together nature, culture, and commerce in a way that is sustainable and inspiring.
Dubai’s vision is clear: progress is only real when everyone is part of it. And with this initiative, Hatta’s future looks brighter than ever.
