HATTA HERITAGE VILLAGE TO BE DEVELOPED INTO AN EXCLUSIVE RESORT

Plans to develop an exclusive, multi million dollar, Arabian style resort in Hatta were unveiled in Geneva yesterday (30th May) by His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, UAE Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Sheikh Mohammed who is heading the 52-strong Dubai delegation currently participating in the ongoing (29th to 31st May) European Incentive and Business Travel Meetings (EIBTM) exhibition, unveiled an artist’s interpretation of the planned development to a rapt audience comprising hosted buyers from four countries including the UK, Germany Australia and France and the international media.

The development would combine a state-of-the-art convention center, a village plaza, traditional souq (marketplace), handicraft plaza and workshops as well as four food and beverage outlets.

Speaking to reporters following the unveiling ceremony, DTCM Director General, Khalid A. bin Sulayem said, “This is a project visualised by HH Sheikh Mohammed and will comprise top class chalets and suites incorporating Arabian architectural designs and will form part of the Hatta Heritage Village – a national monument.”

The resort will be developed in keeping with the surroundings of the Hatta region and will be an ideal hotel for small incentives groups, meetings and conventions.

Mr. bin Sulayem noted that the DTCM was constantly seeking to diversify Dubai's attractions for tourists with different interests and this development would be of great significance in showcasing the emirate's heritage and culture and will support the local tourism industry as the only heritage tourism resort,” he added.

“Dubai’s Arabian culture offers a unique tourism product that is being developed on the instructions of HH Sheikh Mohammed to provide significant growth for the industry. We provide strategic planning and marketing for the eight culture and heritage sites in Dubai by employing an integrated approach to heritage development,” Mr. bin Sulayem stressed.

One hour’s drive from Dubai, the Hatta Heritage Village Resort will be set in the midst of the spectacular Hajar mountains. The resort will include exclusive suites and chalets. Each suite and chalet will be fully appointed to offer top class service.

“The luxury resort will offer the international visitor complete privacy, nestled between the lush Hajar mountains and provide a welcome relief from stress associated with the fast paced city life as well as neon lights, aluminum and glass towers, billboards, and street noise,” remarked Mr. bin Sulayem.

“The resort will extend specialised personal attention to small meetings as we position Dubai as the destination for the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry and are on the threshold of making an impact ahead of the General Meetings of the 58th International Monetary Fund and World Bank in September 2003,” Mr. bin Sulayem concluded.