A waterfront promenade with cycling and walking tracks in Sharjah and heritage projects in Hatta aim to draw in tourists and keep residents healthy.
Water sport facilities will be part of the project to transform 3.3 kilometres of beach in Sharjah in to exercise zones with shaded areas where residents and their children can pause for a break.
The Sharjah Beach Development Project will stretch along the Sharjah Beach Road from the Ajman border to the Sharjah Ladies Club and has been approved by Dr.Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.
Parking spots for about 1,100 vehicles on both sides of the road will ensure congestion is eased in the area.
A year after being announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a separate Dh1.3 billion plan to turn the mountain city of Hatta into a world-class tourist destination is proceeding a per plan, according to a statement.
The project involves setting up of live cameras that will allow tourists to explore traditional markets and heritage areas. The Hatta Heritage Inn and Market project and Hatta Life project will allow visitors to watch as 360-degree cameras installed in two strategic locations provide a live feed from forts and ancient souks.
The wide-ranging Hatta programme covers infrastructure, construction of homes, shops, a residential complex for government employees and a playground project.
The honey festival launched in Hatta was attracting beekeepers from across the country and the region, said Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of the Dubai Municipality.
Discussions about the industry were important to economy of the area, he said.
Improving infrastructure along with building tourist projects in the Al Sheraa heritage area were part of long-term improvements planned, Mr Lootah said.
Other projects in Hatta include a 250megawatt hydroelectric power station that will make use of the water stored in the Hatta Dam. It has been described as the first of its kind in the region by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Dewa’s managing director said the project would contribute to achieving the 2050 Dubai Clean Energy Strategy.
To encourage the use of environmentally friendly vehicles, charging stations will be set up for residents. Building owners are also being urged to install photovoltaic panels in 640 villas by next year as part of the Shams Dubai initiative.
The transformation of Hatta will create employment in the technical, administrative and operations sectors, support young Emirati entrepreneurs and more than 2,000 jobs are being filled during the implementation of the projects.
About 400 homes being constructed for Emiratis at a cost of Dh 565million will be handed over next year.