<b>Latest: </b><a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2022/01/23/dubai-population-to-surge-to-nearly-6m-in-20-years-amid-urban-transformation/" target="_blank"><b>Dubai population to surge to nearly 6m in 20 years amid urban transformation</b></a> <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/13-facts-about-sheikh-hamdan-to-celebrate-13-years-as-crown-prince-of-dubai-1.1157787">Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed</a>, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has issued orders to form a supreme committee to oversee the development of the Hatta region. The Hatta Master Development Plan, part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aims to transform the town into an attractive destination for business, investment and tourism. This includes the construction of an inland beach, lake and cable-driven mountain railway. Hatta, near the border with <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/oman/">Oman</a>, has already become an adventure getaway, with mountain biking and kayaking popular activities. Now it is the subject of major investment to turn it into an even bigger destination for residents and tourists, and the new committee will be responsible for all the development work to make it a world-class tourism hub. The committee will ensure all developmental work is done in a sustainable way and no harm is caused to the environment and historical sites in the area, Dubai Media Office said on Thursday. In October 2021, <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/tags/sheikh-mohammed-bin-rashid/">Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid</a>, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the vision for Hatta. There are plans to construct a beach, a new lake, a cable railway, several hotels, and 120 kilometres of bicycle paths. The plan is to develop a mountainside health resort and the first tourist funicular system of its kind in the region that will transport visitors to Hatta Dam. A <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/2021/09/25/hatta-waterfalls-to-be-completed-in-2022/">waterfall and mountain viewing platform</a> is scheduled for completion this year. There are plans to introduce a new bus service that includes a compartment for bicycles and scooters. A new ride-sharing service and the provision of on-demand bus service is expected. It will allow visitors to tour various heritage sites. A luxury <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/destinations/2021/09/14/first-luxury-caravan-park-in-region-to-open-in-hatta-next-month/">caravan and camping site opened </a>in October 2021. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aims to transform the emirate and create a city that balances community with tourism and modernity with heritage and nature. The Hatta Development Plan, which is a part of Dubai's wider plan, seeks to develop and raise the profile of Hatta's natural and tourism attractions, as well as protect its environment. A sustainable hydro-electric power plant will be built. People in the area will be given the opportunity to help promote tourism and preserve Hatta's natural beauty - with the aim of increasing tourism and agriculture that contributes to the region's GDP by 32 per cent. At least 78 per cent of Hatta will be designated as conservation reserves, as the population is expected to double by 2040.