Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development in Dubai, has committed to funding numerous projects in Hatta for the region's Comprehensive Development Plan, launched by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Funding the projects supports the directives of Sheikh Mohammed to provide incentives for young Emiratis to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. Two of these talented young Emiratis are Manei Al Kaabi, who has launched the first honey factory in Hatta, and Khalfan Al Bedwawi who will launch a sports project that will turn Hatta into an international destination for kayaking.

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai SME, said, "The Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan reflects the importance Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid attaches to harnessing the potential and capabilities of young Emiratis in the overall development of the region. It motivates young people to actively serve their society and country by encouraging them to benefit from the region’s natural capabilities."

"To contribute to achieving this ambitious vision, Dubai SME has launched three initiatives to support entrepreneurs. These include opening an executive office in Hatta to make it easier for people there to complete all their transactions, a fund has been established to support young Emirati projects in Hatta, and SME entrepreneurs in the region will be exempted from business license fees," he added.

"This funding supports the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to provide incentives for young Emiratis to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. The two projects will create new jobs for young people in the region. They will also contribute to the development of Hatta, and turn it into a distinguished sports and tourist destination, not just in the UAE, but in the region," added Al Janahi.