Mountain souq in Dubai features outdoor kiosks, food carts and green spaces

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.

14 projects in Hatta

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.

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