Overview

Hatta is an exclave of Dubai, within the United Arab Emirates, high within the Hajar Mountains. The enclave sits on the border with Oman, around a 90-minute drive from the city of Dubai, making it an easy road into nature. With its rugged landscapes, picturesque mountain ranges, beautiful turquoise dam, and vast network of mountain trails, Hatta has long attracted outdoor enthusiasts from across the UAE and beyond.

Less than a two-hour drive from Dubai, it’s a good pick for a weekend escape and close enough for a mini-daycation. In winter, Hatta is the go-to spot for hiking, biking, kayaking and adventure, while in summer it's worth a visit for its cooler climate.

Things to See and Do

From hiking and biking to kayaking and zip lining, Hatta makes the most of its landscapes with plenty of action-packed activities. If you are planning a trip, here is everything you need to know about visiting Hatta. Hatta Wadi Hub is the perfect escape for adventure seekers looking for all kinds of experiences to try out. Choose from Downhill Carting, Zorbing, a human slingshot, Axe throwing, Archery, Free-fall jumps, Adventure Rope courses, Wall climbing or Trampolining.

They continue to add new experiences here, some of the newest includ and inflatable obstacle course and a four-wheel off-road electric scooter experience.

Kayakking in Hatta is the perfect way to explore the beautiful lake formed by Hatta Dam. You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, or water bikes, as you enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the waters, surrounded by stunning mountain creeks.

Paragliding offers the perfect thrill while taking in the Hatta scenery at a birdseye view. The paragliding experience will have you sparking 500 feet above the rocky mountains.

Mountain Biking the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center is a great way to explore the rugged landscape on two wheels with high-altitude mountain ranges that combine adventure and winsome mountains. There are over 30 miles of biking trails covering a wide range of terrains and distances, something for every level of ability.

Horseback riding offers the opportunity to enjoy the sights of Hatta as you trail across lakes and mountain foothills.

Hiking in Hatta is an excellent way to take in the surroundings of the area. There are now over 20 miles of hiking trails in the area. These have been categorized into various sections to help hikers choose their desired terrain and ability level.

Nature & Culture

Take note of the Hatta Sign that proudly sits atop the mountains of Hatta. At almost 200 ft tall, the sign is visible upon entering Hatta and also lights up at night. You can also reach the by taking a 30-minute trek from Hatta Wadi, great for a photo opp!

Experience the Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Center. This unique attraction offers great insight into the importance of bees to our environment. Wear a bright yellow beekeeper suit and get up close to a hive filled with thousands of bees, and explore the Bee museum, where you can learn about their sustainable beekeeping practices and purchase delicious fresh honey. There’s also a great children’s outdoor play area and an organic cafe on-site.

Explore the Hatta Fort. Built in 1896, and fully restored in 1995, the Fort is one of the most notable architectural monuments in the UAE. A residence and defense facility with a large internal courtyard and an 36 ft-high watchtower, it is made of mountain stones and mud bricks, while the ceiling is constructed using palm fronds, trunks, and mud.

Enjoy the popular Hatta Hill Park. The park offers a beautiful landscape, a kid’s play area, running tracks, sports field, and a tower at the topmost point of the mountain, providing an excellent vantage point of the surrounding area.

Visit Hatta Heritage Village to step back in time. The village dates back 3,000 years and offers an excellent example of what life was like in Hatta. Explore the architecture and traditions as you walk past reconstructed stone houses, a watchtower and fort, look through old photographs, and learn about the agricultural practices and Arab culture.

Close by is a palm tree farm known as the Al Sharia site, where you can learn about the Falaj system traditionally used to irrigate farms. The falaj water system here, which dates back to the 1800s, was used to bring fresh water from the mountains and supply it to the local residents and date farms in the heart of Hatta Village.

See Hatta from the water with a trip on Hatta Dam. Amazingly blue and surrounded by jagged mountain creeks, this is the perfect spot to enjoy some water-based fun. The banks of the Hatta Dam are the perfect setting for camping with amazing scenery. From here you can launch a kayak, pedal boat or water bike, or book a tour boat with a driver who will share their knowledge of the region.