Several hundred absentee ballots have been submitted by American citizens living in the UAE, according to US missions in the country
uae22 hours ago
A sprawling new mountain souq in Hatta has received its first visitor: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The souq combines modern and traditional elements that blend in with the mountainous nature of the region. Natural resources obtained from the Hatta mountains were used to build the souq "to ensure harmony with its surroundings".
The souq, which spans 146,000sqft, has a built area of over 43,000sqft. It encompasses seven shops, six indoor and seven outdoor kiosks, 42 sales platforms, a large store, eight food carts, a children's playground, outdoor seating and green spaces, prayer rooms for men and women, and public facilities.
The souq enables residents to display their craft products, agricultural produce, and commercial projects.
The visit came as Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the progress of Phase I of Hatta Development Projects and Initiatives.
The Supreme Committee Overseeing Hatta Development has completed 14 projects and is currently completing four others.
The Hatta Heritage Village aims to highlight the area's rich culture, history, and customs and enhance the cultural and historical profile of the region. It is expected to benefit approximately 40 citizen families.
A tourist farm was also established to "provide a distinctive experience for visitors".
Phase I included planting over 13,000 native trees across the region.
An 11.5km track dedicated to cycles and mountain bikes was constructed in the initial phase, along with several quick traffic solutions aimed at improving road conditions and parking facilities in key tourist sites. Completed projects also included the provision of public and shared mobility solutions, such as e-hailing and shared rental services, in partnership with private entities as well as the construction of bus shelters and mobility hubs, parking facilities and a transportation hub.
An SME Hub was set up to support entrepreneurship and youth projects. The facility seeks to assist small and medium-sized business owners and encourage the youth of Hatta to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Phase I also saw the launch of a programme to support local farmers, and offer them guidance and resources such as fertilisers, seeds, and seedlings.
ALSO READ:
Several hundred absentee ballots have been submitted by American citizens living in the UAE, according to US missions in the country
uae22 hours ago
The report expected a busy start to 2025, as employers were waiting for elections' outcomes in the US and India
uae1 day ago
The country's population has grown immensely, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
uae1 day ago
Over 1,300 of the emirate's healthcare facilities are connected via Nabidh
uae1 day ago
Kicking off on November 11 at the Azerbaijan capital, Baku, COP29 will receive participants from 200 countries
uae1 day ago
Environmental volunteer programmes are administered under the 'Naha' platform launched by The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
uae1 day ago
The 2024 UAE Government Annual Meetings kicked off in Abu Dhabi under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mohammed
uae1 day ago
Motorists should carry their belongings with them and avoid leaving engines running or keys inside the car
uae1 day ago