Escape to nature at this scenic Dubai exclave. Find out how to get to Hatta, where to stay, what to pack and what to do.
Located around 130km south-east of central Dubai, the mountain town of Hatta was once known for its historic fort and small desert farms, but now attracts a wide range of adventure enthusiasts too. Pack your camping gear for a trek through the dreamlike landscapes and take it all in, from mountain biking at Hatta Wadi Hub to honey harvesting at Hatta Honeybee Garden.
Turn up the thrill quotient by mountain biking at dedicated trails that cater to all abilities. Along the way you can connect with nature as you pass by farmlands, natural pools and rocky hills; you might even discover some hidden oases. Check out Hatta Mountain Bike Trail (MTB) Centre for up-to-date cycling trails and information. Mountain biking lessons are also available, so you can learn while exploring the rugged terrain.
Swap the wheels for something a little more offbeat at Hatta Wadi Hub. This activity centre presents plenty of surprises, including the first and only outdoor zorbing track in the Middle East, where you'll soon find yourself rolling (and laughing) downhill in a giant transparent ball. If zorbing isn't your scene, take aim with axe-throwing, practise your superhero moves at the climbing wall or settle old scores with a waterslide challenge at Hatta Drop-In, a water jump park like no other. There's also an aerial park featuring adventure rope courses, a free fall zone, a zipline and more, alongside other lower-intensity activities like sunrise or sunset yoga and rock climbing.
Afterwards, slow down the pace by kayaking along the turquoise waters of Hatta Dam, a popular attraction during the cooler winter months. Many people pack a picnic when visiting the dam, but do remember to leave the grounds as you found them.
To admire the mountain scenery from another perspective, mount a steed and explore Hatta on horseback. Hatta Horses is a quaint horse riding school located within Hatta Village, which leads rides and tours through the old farm roads.
Apart from the beautiful natural scenery, Hatta is one of the oldest preserved heritage areas in the UAE. Start your journey with a scenic drive into town, where you’ll be greeted by JA Hatta Fort Hotel, then turn into the central village and drive through to reach the Hatta Dam viewpoint. Park your car and take a small hike down to see a stunning blue lake or go kayaking on its deep blue waters.
On your return, you can visit Hatta Heritage Village, which showcases life in ancient times and features Hatta Fort within its bounds. Here you’ll see restored houses and huts, and learn about the history of early inhabitants. Just a short drive from Heritage Village is Hatta Hill Park, a sprawling, lush space often used for picnics and barbecues. Climb up to the highest point, a tower, for fantastic views of the area. You can also visit the nearby Hatta Library to read up further on the emirate’s history and people.
Mountain bikers on the outer trails can travel through a newly discovered heritage area, which is a traditional village site nestled in the heart of the mountainside. It is unreachable by car, but you can walk or bike to it. The area is currently being reviewed by the Architectural Heritage Department to determine its historical influence and significance.
For more modern perspectives, consider the impressive Hatta sign, which currently holds the Guinness World Records title for the tallest landmark sign. Measuring 16m high, the sign sits in white against the rusty hues of the Hajar Mountains, and lights up at night to render postcard-worthy views of the town. Hikers are welcome to trek up to it and enjoy the panoramas of the valley beneath – the seven-kilometre trail to the sign starts from Hatta Wadi Hub.
Fuel up on local cuisines, food truck bites and barbecue grills while taking in the adventures and beauty of Hatta. For example, Tanoor Restaurant on Dubai Hatta Road offers traditional Arabic cuisine with a tasty menu of chicken, lamb and camel dishes, while Hatta Wild Cafe offers fresh coffee, sandwiches and more from inside Hatta Wadi Hub.
Al Hajarian restaurant in Hatta Heritage Village offers a tranquil setting within the historical Shari'a district. The restaurant offers authentic Emirati cuisine made using fresh local ingredients and is a great way to experience Hatta’s culture during your visit. Coffee connoisseurs, meanwhile, should make a beeline to Hatta lakeside and pick up a brew from Alberi Cafe. The pop-up truck offers a variety of blends to sip and enjoy in the shade of sprawling trees.
For food trucks, head to the picnic area behind Hatta Wadi Hub for burgers and wraps from Damani Bites or pizza and pasta from Adrina. Meanwhile, Doner Race Sandwich inside the grounds of the Sedr Trailers camp is also a popular choice for families.
Hatta is perfect for a day trip but if you’d like to bask in the natural scenery a little longer, you can book a stay at JA Hatta Fort Hotel. The four-star resort, which has been open to guests for over three decades, offers rooms with spectacular views of the Hajar Mountains. Guests can make the most of the property's pools, a hill park and a number of outdoor activities such as archery, golf and shooting. Accommodation is also available at its more-recent Terra Cabins – a sustainably-built option for those looking to get closer to the rugged outcrops. You can find similar stays at other premium venues like Hatta Sedr Trailer Park, the idyllic Hatta Dome Park and Hatta Damani Lodges.
If you’re looking for a little bit of luxury in the wilderness, there are many fabulous holiday homes to check into in Hatta, ranging from modern villas with private pools to rustic farmhouses with barbecue areas and karaoke facilities. Hatta Holiday Homes, with accommodation like Sunrise Farm and Alberi Lodge, can be viewed on the official Visit Hatta website and booked through the property owners.
For those with the appropriate gear, there are several camping spots to consider, including some near Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre. Here you’ll find barasti huts, barbecue spots, shower blocks and restrooms. Otherwise, discover the landscape for yourself and pitch a tent by the foothills. Remember to bring all your essential equipment, especially during harsher weather, so you're not caught out in emergencies. You can also choose to rent a caravan amid the wild terrain, like those offered by Hatta Caravans, and switch up your usual camping routine.
It takes approximately 90 minutes to reach Hatta by road from Dubai's city centre, and the best route is from E102 (Sharjah-Kalba Road) via E611 (Emirates Road). Don't have a ride of your own? Take advantage of pay-per-minute car rental platform Udrive's dedicated service from Dubai to Hatta. It offers special rates for the long-distance trip and you can pick from a fleet of SUVs, which is ideal for a group road trip to the elevated terrain. You can also hop on a bus between the two destinations – choose the H02 line from Dubai Mall or the E16 from Sabkha Bus Station 1, both of which go to Hatta Bus Station.
The scenic journey is an experience on its own, with the surrounding landscape morphing from golden sands to deep red mountains. If you're short on time or would like to combine the trip with easy sightseeing, contact tour operators such as Arabian Adventures to book a range of tours, available throughout the year.
Remember that nights can get chilly during the winter season, as Hatta’s climate is a few degrees cooler than central Dubai, given its higher altitude.
If you’re planning on taking part in outdoor activities, such as hiking or mountain biking, ensure you have the right safety gear, equipment and emergency supplies like a GPS tracker, batteries and hydration packs. Note that mobile phone coverage can be patchy in some areas of the mountains, so it's advisable to venture out in groups.
Hatta is already renowned as a tourism hotspot – with an increasing focus on eco-tourism – and soon there will be even more activities for visitors to enjoy in the mountain town. An improved public transport system is currently in development, which will make it easier to get around the sights without a car.
A 5.4km chairlift system is also in the works, along with a world-class hotel and the construction of new hiking trails to the purpose-made Jebel Umm Al Nisour peak, which will present scenic views from 1,300m high. The Hatta Waterfalls project, meanwhile, is a sustainable initiative that will see water from Hatta Dam recycled and reused to create a stunning water feature.
In an effort to support ongoing tourism efforts, at least 200 holiday homes are also being designed and will open to the public over the coming years.
