In March 1997, the construction of the first major dam to be built in the town of Hatta began. The scheme was designed by Dubai Municipality and was the first dam in the Emirates to use an extruded asphalt core.
 
Prior to the construction of the major earthwork embankment with an integral asphalt core, a preliminary diaphragm cut-off wall was installed. The final embankment was protected by graded rock, with an injection of grout to prevent water passing through. A 30 metre wide concrete spillway, a diversion supply and an access road were added to complete the structure.

Impounding of the dam took place in the winter of 1998 and the reservoir took approximately two years to fill.

This sustainable water supply has provided much needed relief to the town of Hatta who, over the years, had witnessed a progressive deterioration of existing dams and wells and the loss of significant fresh water supplies into the surrounding wadi basin.