Weekend trip to Hatta, anyone?
The Year of Zayed—the UAE’s theme for 2018—is just over a month away, so this brand-new artwork has been unveiled just in time.
A huge mural of the Emirates’ two founding fathers, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, has been revealed, nestled high in the Hajar Mountains.
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The artwork, painted on the slipway of Hatta Dam, is actually one of the world’s largest, according to Dubai Media Office, measuring 80 metres by 30 metres.
It was painted by German artist Andreas Von Chrzanowski, also known as Case, and took him two weeks to complete.
The aim of the mural—which was released to celebrate the UAE’s 46th National Day on December 2—is to help boost Hatta’s touristic and cultural attractions (while also giving us an excuse for a leisurely weekend drive into the mountains).
The artwork actually falls under the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, a Dhs1.3 billion project revealed last year to turn the exclave into a world-class destination.
Under the plan, the mountainous town (which is about 134 kilometres east of Dubai) will welcome more than 400 homes for Emiratis, a mountain track circuit, green areas for camping, and winter sports facilities.
The plan also includes landscaping specifically designed to boost Hatta’s air quality, a cultural festival, scholarships for young people and tens of new stores.
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A central market will be set up, and the old village and Hatta’s other historical sites (some of which date back to an incredible 3000BC) will undergo significant restoration and preservation.
It will be a bit of a wait until everything’s in place—the project is slatred to be completed within 10 years—but 2026 is shaping up to be a good year for a mini break…
Images: Dubai Media Office
