Hatta’s mountain trails just got a striking new addition. A new public art installation titled ‘Deliberate Pauses’ has been unveiled in the Hajar Mountains, now recognised as Dubai’s largest site-specific art installation.
The work is by Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou and was commissioned by the Alserkal Arts Foundation, in collaboration with Dubai Culture and the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta.
Set along the scenic hiking routes near Leem Lake, the installation brings a contemporary visual layer to Hatta’s already rich natural landscape. It reflects not only the rugged terrain of the area but also its cultural and environmental significance.
The installation consists of five large red metallic discs, reflective in finish and placed directly within the mountainous terrain. Some stand upright, while others lie flat, blending into the rocky surroundings of the Hajar Mountains.
- The reflective surfaces catch natural light and mirror the environment
- Positioned along the trails to prompt reflection and stillness
- Installed without disrupting the natural flow of the hiking paths
Curated by Faysal Tabbarah, Associate Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah, the project encourages hikers and visitors to slow down and take in the layered story of the Hatta landscape — its nature, its past, and its future.
With ‘Deliberate Pauses’, Hatta now joins the growing list of outdoor art destinations in the UAE, offering something a little different to those heading into the mountains.
