Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday visited the new Hatta Souq and inspected the progress of work on the first phase of projects implemented as part of the Hatta development plan.

The first phase of the development plan includes 14 projects and initiatives.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed approved the second phase of the plan, which includes 22 projects.

He toured various facilities at the Hatta Souq, which spreads a total area of 146,000 square feet. Blending traditional and contemporary architectural designs, the Souq is being built using both manmade and natural building materials. It houses 70 commercial units, play areas for children, outdoor sittings, and green spaces.

The souq will house shops selling local vegetables, fruits and products as well as cafes and restaurants, entertainment areas and spaces for food carts. It is aimed at providing a platform for farmers and other local residents to sell their products. During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed honoured 87 graduates from Hatta who earned a certified Agri-Entrepreneurship Professional Diploma.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Council.