DEWA’s projects in Hatta: supporting sustainability and promoting sustainable development in the region

•  Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls features the world’s largest mosaic panel, paying tribute to Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid.

•  Al Tayer: We continue to implement innovative development projects that contribute to the sustainable development of Hatta.

In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Hatta a global model for harmony between humans and nature that is driven by innovation in sustainable development reflecting the UAE's ambition, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) continues to implement innovative and ambitious projects in Hatta to promote sustainability. One of DEWA's projects in the area is the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in December 2024. DEWA implemented the project at a cost of approximately AED 60 million as part of its social responsibility to make it a distinctive tourist destination.

"We work in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to advance sustainable development pathways and consolidate Dubai's position as a global model for sustainability and the green economy, as well as reducing carbon emissions and finding sustainable solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. Following the directives of His Highness to transform Hatta into a tourism and investment hub while preserving its heritage and natural beauty, we implement innovative development projects aimed at contributing to Hatta’s development, meeting the needs of its social, economic and environmental progress, and enhancing the viability of ecotourism in the UAE," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

"Our projects in Hatta, including the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls, play an important role in promoting domestic tourism and environmental sustainability in the region by highlighting the importance of preserving the environment, leveraging renewable energy sources and improving the quality of life for members of society. In implementing these projects, we use the latest, most advanced and safest technologies tailored to the geological conditions of the Hatta region, adhering to the highest international environmental standards to preserve the Hatta Mountain Reserve and harmonise the project with its surroundings. The project offers a unique experience for tourists and showcases the beauty of the UAE’s mountainous areas. At every stage, DEWA is keen to use sustainable materials that blend with the natural surroundings," added Al Tayer.

Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls

The project involved utilising the slope of the upper dam of the Hydroelectric Power Plant in Hatta to create a natural waterfall. A waterway was constructed below the dam, with retail stores, restaurants and cafes lining both sides of the waterway. The slope of the Hatta Dam features the world’s largest mosaic mural, recognised by Guinness World Records. Covering 2,199 square metres and made from 1.2 million pieces of natural marble, the mosaic pays tribute to the UAE’s Founding Fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may their souls rest in peace. The creation of the mosaic was a collaboration between DEWA and Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, adding significant historical and national value to this iconic tourist destination.

Innovative design

The waterfall flows through the mosaic into a natural water canal, dividing the project into four main oases surrounded by four 120-square-metre restaurants, six 82-square-metre cafes and four 36-square-metre retail stores. The design is inspired by the hexagonal shape of a beehive, reflecting Hatta’s global recognition for high-quality honey. The oases are connected by bridges crossing the water canal, creating a vibrant and picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy. To enhance the project’s landscaping, Washingtonia (or Mexican fan) palm trees were planted alongside other unique plants and trees, including 350-year-old olive trees, exotic Chorisia trees and giant cacti.

Distribution of retail outlets free of charge

In implementation of the grant by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to citizens of Hatta to create additional jobs and meet the needs of social, economic and environmental development, all retail facilities such as cafes, restaurants and children's playgrounds will be offered free of charge to local Emiratis under specific regulations to create investment opportunities for citizens in the region.

Hydroelectric Power Plant in Hatta

To increase the share of clean and renewable energy in Dubai, DEWA is implementing a 250MW pumped storage hydroelectric power station in Hatta, the first of its kind in the GCC region, with a storage capacity of 1,500 MWh and a life span of 80 years. The hydroelectric power station will use water in the Hatta Dam and an upper reservoir that is being built in the mountain. Advanced turbines will use clean energy to pump water from the dam to the upper reservoir. Turbines spun by the waterfall from the upper reservoir will be used to generate electricity through a 1,200-metre subterranean water canal, with high efficiency in power generation, as well as storage of up to 78.9%, with a 90-second response to demand for electricity. The project supports DEWA’s efforts to achieve the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the Emirate’s energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.

Other pioneering projects

In addition to the Hydroelectric Power Plant, DEWA has completed its three million-imperial-gallon-per-day (MIGD) water microfiltration units in Hatta. These units refine and sterilise the water of Hatta dam for use in emergencies. Also, DEWA and Etihad Electricity and Water (Etihad WE) have completed the strategic interconnection project in Masfout, which allows the exchange of up to two million gallons of potable water in case of emergencies or other purposes. DEWA and Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO) completed the strategic interconnection project in the Madam area, which allows for additional water supply (approximately 35 MIGD) for emergency use between the two sides to minimise the impact of potential outages during normal operating conditions. DEWA further contributes to other projects and initiatives in Hatta, including the Shams Dubai initiative, which encourages residents and businesses to install photovoltaic panels on rooftops to generate solar energy and connect to DEWA’s electricity grid. A total of 7,756 photovoltaic solar panels have been installed on the roofs of 554 villas in the Hatta Villas project to generate 3,612,357 kWh of energy annually and reduce annual CO2 emissions by 2,159 tonnes.

DEWA has also commissioned a reservoir with a capacity of 30 million imperial gallons (MIG) of desalinated water in Hatta. The project, which costs about AED 86 million, included the construction of supporting buildings and the extension of entrance and exit pipes. The reservoirs DEWA is building help increase water flow and raise the volume of the Emirate’s water reserves to meet growing demand, improving the efficiency and reliability of water networks in supporting the sustainable development of Dubai.

A pioneer in energy and environment designs

Al Rayyan Mosque, which DEWA built in 2021 in Hatta, has received the 'Zero Energy for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – LEED ZERO' certification, becoming the first place of worship in the world to receive this international certificate. This sets a new standard for sustainable architecture in houses of worship and enhances Dubai's commitment to innovation and environmental conservation. Al Rayyan Mosque is a model of sustainable buildings, producing at least 150% of its annual energy needs through highly efficient photovoltaic solar panels above parking lots and an ablution area. The energy produced by these panels meets the mosque's total annual consumption, including lighting and air conditioning systems, and the surplus is sent to the electricity grid, embodying the principles of net positive energy. The mosque accommodates more than 600 worshippers on an area of 1,050 square metres, in accordance with the highest environmental sustainability standards. The mosque comprises a 25-metre-high minaret, car and bike parking, facilities for People of Determination and a green charger station. Solar photovoltaic panels were installed, as well as a water treatment unit to reuse the water for irrigation and cleaning. In building the mosque, DEWA followed the highest international standards to improve air quality by using a highly efficient device for air purification to provide a sustainable and healthy environment inside the mosque, with recycled materials used for construction.