Dubai to expand Hatta Hilltop park

The Dubai Municipality has revealed plans to construct four new recreational facilities and expand the Hatta Hilltop Park at a total cost of Dh17.5 million in an effort to boost tourism. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director-General of the municipality, said the expansion of the Hilltop Park will cost the municipality Dh7.5m, while another Dh10m will be spent on the construction of new community facilities in different parts of Hatta. He said the four community facilities would be set up in different parts of Hatta and works of the project are expected to begin in August. The facilities will consist of a main plaza including a spectator area, separate play areas for children of up to 12 years, picnic areas, walkways, benches, lighting, and soft landscaping including rockwork. The expansion of Hatta Hilltop Park would involve providing more greenery, adding more playing grounds for children, setting up an open space, adding more seating, and construction of an 800 metre-long jogging track. The construction work would start in the middle of July. "As part of the project, special barbecue areas will be set up. In addition, more shaded seating, walkways and more play areas will be provided. The existing plants and date palms will be redistributed. Also, we would be setting up a wider irrigation network on top of the mountain so as to keep the plants watered," said Lootah. "We will incorporate the old heritage elements. The park has been provided with all other facilities like lighting, regular water supply, toilet blocks and drainage facilities," Lootah added.