Looking for an escape from the city buzz? Why not check out the mountain town of Hatta, a mere 90-minute drive from Dubai? Hatta is known for its beautiful scenery, from rugged mountains to wadis and dams, as well as its fresh, cool climate. It’s the perfect day trip or weekend escape, and there will be plenty of activities to discover to keep you busy while you’re there.
Hatta Dam’s Natural Beauty
One place you can’t miss on your trip to Hatta is Hatta Dam. Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, this beautifully turquoise body of water glistens amongst the rugged mountain peaks. It truly is spectacular. We stopped here for a quick detour on our way to Fujairah, but we could have spent a good few hours at Hatta Dam had we known about the water activities.
Start by driving your car up towards the dam, parking on the water’s edge and walking between photo stops – you won’t find it hard to get the perfect shot for Instagram here, no matter where you look!
A better way to take in the views would be from the water itself, with Hatta Kayak offering kayak rentals from 60 AED for a single-person kayak or 120 AED for a double-person kayak. This is for an unlimited time, so you can really take your time and appreciate the beautiful surroundings. They also offer canoes, paddle boards and pedal boats so you can pick your favorite mode of water transport. We really wish we’d had more time here to do some water activities; it seems like such a unique location to glide through the serene water and admire the mountainous scenery.
One thing to note is that due to its high altitude, Hatta is generally a few degrees cooler than in Dubai, but we still recommend visiting here from November – April to be the most comfortable and to avoid the blazing summer months. Oh, and you’re also not allowed to swim in the dam – stick to the rented water activities offered there!
Mountain Biking and Hiking in Hatta
If you’d rather stay on dry land, there are many mountain biking trails, from beginner to advanced. The trails stretch across 52km and are free to ride with self-guided markers along the routes. Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre does offer bike rentals on-site; however, options are limited, so if you have your own equipment, bring it with you. Make sure to either download or pick up a copy of the trail map before you go so you know what route to follow!
And if you’re still not sure about water activities or being on two wheels, there are also plenty of hiking trails around the Hajar Mountains. You can trek along the winding wadis (Arabic for valleys) at the foot of the mountains, with trails color-coded by difficulty level. There are lots of options for hiking in Hatta, so make sure to check out the possible trails here.
One other popular activity is to hike up to the Hatta Sign. You can start your hike from Hatta Wadi Hub, and the trail is about 7km long to reach the 19.28 metre-high structure. The views from up here are simply stunning – we think it’s worth the effort!
No matter what time of year, if you set off on a bike or by foot, share your location with some friends and/or family and make sure to bring plenty of water, protective clothing and sun cream.
Hatta Wadi Hub
If the activities at Hatta Dam seem a little too tranquil for you, head down to Hatta Wadi Hub for some more thrill-seeking adventures! With activities ranging from axe throwing, archery and zorbing to water slides, giant swings and ziplining, you’re sure to find something that suits all types of adventure levels. You could easily spend a whole weekend filled to the brim with activities at the Wadi Hub, and it’s the perfect spot for the whole family to burn off some energy.
Hatta Heritage Village
For a more laid-back activity, but one that is still a must-see, we also recommend checking out Hatta Heritage Village. Here, you will find a living museum, showcasing the traditional way of life in the UAE. Explore restored houses, forts and watchtowers, and traditional Emirati crafts and cultural exhibits. Within the village, visitors can visit the Bait Al Wali house, one of the largest houses where the local Hatta ruler once resided. You can wander through the house and courtyard, admiring the way traditional Emirati life used to be, with artifacts dating all the way back to the 16th century.
Located in the village is also a mosque, a variety of outdoor activities including mountain biking and hiking, as well as a range of cafes and restaurants where visitors can sample traditional Emirati cuisine. A visit here is well worth your while, and we think it’s so interesting to escape the city life and really delve into the traditions of this beautiful country.
Stay in Hatta
You could easily spend a whole weekend in Hatta, and to do so, you’ll need somewhere to unwind and recharge your batteries. There is a range of sleeping options in Hatta, depending on your preference.
Camping in Hatta
Hatta Wadi Hub offers visitors the chance to pitch up their tent and spend a night under the stars. Whether you want to bring your tent or your caravan, you’ll be able to reserve a spot here to have the most unique night-time views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. This is the most authentic way to experience the true essence of Hatta.
Glamping in Hatta
For a touch more luxury, there are also some great glamping options in Hatta. Book at Damani Lodges or Hatta Dome Park for an equally unique night under the stars, but with some more modern amenities! Damani Lodges offer Standard, Deluxe and Premium room options, all nestled into the natural hills of the national park, and all with private terraces, barbecue areas and a fire pit to really complete your stay. The newer Hatta Dome Park offers domes, each with a private pool, patio and sun loungers to offer some relaxation before the sun goes down.
JA Hatta Fort Hotel
If neither camping or glamping appeal to you, fear not, as JA Hatta Fort Hotel is the perfect luxury escape for those seeking hotel-style amenities, without losing the charm of the beautiful landscape of Hatta. This four-star resort offers chalet-style rooms set amidst 80 acres of mountainous terrain. With swimming pools, a spa, an archery range and mini golf on site, you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained – on top of all the wonderful activities to do outside of the resort as well!
Hatta: The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Tranquility
A weekend spent in Hatta is more than just a getaway; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, take part in thrilling activities, and also explore the rich heritage of the local area and of the UAE. A weekend in Hatta will have something for everyone, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both. We already can’t wait to go back, Hatta has so much to explore and we barely scratched the surface! When will you book your weekend getaway to Hatta?