DEWA’s development projects in Hatta promote Dubai’s picturesque countryside and drive its sustainable transformation

Guided by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is driving the development of Hatta as a global model of harmony between humanity and nature. DEWA’s projects in Hatta enhance domestic tourism and environmental sustainability by leveraging Hatta’s rich historical and natural heritage. At every stage, DEWA prioritises the use of sustainable materials that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. DEWA uses advanced and safe technologies tailored to Hatta’s unique geological conditions, adhering to the highest international environmental standards to preserve the Hatta Mountain Reserve.

“Our initiatives in Hatta embody the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a strategy reaffirmed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, to help make Dubai one of the world’s most beautiful, liveable and healthiest cities. We support the strong development leap brought about by Dubai’s comprehensive development plan for Hatta, which is designed enrich the lives of its residents and create lasting positive change. Guided by the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and Dubai Social Agenda 33, we aim to promote the competitive position of Hatta as a local and global magnet for tourism and investment while preserving its heritage and natural splendour. Our innovative projects meet Hatta’s social, economic and environmental needs, and support ecotourism in the UAE,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Landmark projects driving Hatta’s development journey

Ranked among the ‘50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller, the globe’s leading travel magazine, Hatta is central to Dubai’s sustainability journey. DEWA supports the comprehensive development plan for Hatta and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy through transformative projects that advance energy and water sustainability. Among these is the Hatta Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric Power Station, the first of its kind in the GCC, which delivers full grid power within 90 seconds. DEWA has also commissioned a desalinated water reservoir with a capacity of 30 million imperial gallons and completed microfiltration units with a capacity of three million imperial gallons per day to refine and sterilise dam water for emergency use. Additional projects include strategic water interconnections with other emirates and the Shams Dubai initiative.

To strengthen Hatta’s appeal as a premier tourist attraction, DEWA launched the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls tourism project, utilising the slope of the upper dam of the hydroelectric plant. The site features the world’s largest mosaic mural, recognised by Guinness World Records, paying 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. DEWA designed and presented the mural in collaboration with Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office.

Al Rayan Mosque champions sustainable design

DEWA’s mosque in Hatta consolidates Dubai’s excellence and leadership in sustainable urban development and the creation of urban environments designed to meet the challenges of the future. Al Rayan Mosque has set three world records in the field of environmental design. It is the world’s first place of worship to be awarded the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Zero Carbon certification from the US Green Buildings Council in 2025. The mosque achieved this by offsetting 175% of its yearly carbon emissions. Back in 2021, it became the first mosque globally to receive the LEED Platinum certification under LEED v4, scoring an impressive 83 points for its sustainable design. In 2024, it earned the LEED Zero Energy certification, once again making it the first house of worship worldwide to achieve this distinction.

Al Rayan Mosque produces at least 150% of its annual energy needs through highly efficient photovoltaic solar panels above parking lots and an ablution area. These panels produce enough energy to cover the mosque’s entire annual consumption, from lighting to air conditioning systems. Surplus energy is sent to the grid, reinforcing the principles of net positive energy. The cloud base monitoring system’s PV panels have a total capacity of 158kWp. Al Rayan Mosque, which can accommodate more than 600 worshippers, has facilities for People of Determination, an EV Green Charger station and a water treatment unit for irrigation and cleaning. DEWA applied international best practice to ensure a healthy indoor environment by installing advanced air purification systems and using recycled construction materials.