Hatta offers a version of the UAE that feels completely removed from Dubai’s high- pace city life. Set in the rugged Hajar Mountains near the Omani border, the small enclave makes for an ideal day trip, pairing dramatic scenery and outdoor adventure with glimpses of the country’s past, all within a couple of hours’ drive from Dubai.
The easiest way to reach Hatta is by car. The Sharjah–Kalba route (E102) takes around 90 minutes from downtown Dubai, winding through shifting landscapes that transition from desert plains to rocky mountain peaks.
If you don’t have access to a car, express buses operate between 7am and 7pm, linking Downtown Dubai with Hatta bus station and making the destination accessible without private transport.
Hatta’s most recognisable landmark is undoubtedly Hatta Dam. Framed by the dramatic Hajar Mountains , its vivid blue waters create one of the UAE’s most photogenic natural settings. Originally built to support the region’s water and electricity needs, the dam has evolved into a hub for relaxed outdoor activities.
Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards and canoes directly from the water’s edge, with life jackets provided. The activities are suitable for beginners, professionals and families alike, making it an ideal spot for everyone to enjoy. For photography enthusiasts, the reflections of the Hajar range on the water at sunrise or sunset make for spectacular photos.
Hiking is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Hatta, with trails that offer some of the UAE’s most scenic routes. It is also Dubai’s only mountain refuge for endangered flora and fauna and home to the country’s largest population of the endangered Arabian tahr.
Trails lead through rocky foothills and rugged terrain, with natural lookout points as well as views over Hatta Lake.
High on the mountainside sits the iconic Hatta sign, reminiscent of the Hollywood landmark and officially recognised in 2023 as the world’s tallest landmark sign by Guinness World Records.
It can be reached via the red, blue or green hiking routes, each measuring roughly 6 to 7 kilometres. The paths are well-marked and range in difficulty, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. From the summit, panoramic views stretch across valleys, wadis and mountain ridges.
Nearby, Hatta Hill Park provides a gentler alternative, with shaded walking paths, picnic areas and elevated viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape.
For those seeking a faster-paced adventure, mountain biking is a major draw. Hatta is home to the UAE’s longest mountain bike trail network, offering more than 20 cycling routes spanning 53 kilometres. The trails are clearly signposted and graded, catering to riders of all abilities. Bikes and safety gear can be rented on site, making it easy to explore the terrain on two wheels.
For a shift away from outdoor pursuits, Hatta Heritage Village offers a glimpse into traditional Emirati life. Dating back to the third century BC, it is one of the oldest sites of its kind in the country. The restored mountain settlement features stone houses, watchtowers, mosques and everyday artefacts from the pre-oil era.
The site comprises of reconstructed stone houses and water wells that sit among two watchtowers, a traditional majlis and a fort.
Visitors can also view historic photographs of daily life in Hatta, a basket-weaving area and a museum showcasing old tools and weapons.
Bargain hunters may want to stop at Jabal Hatta Hypermarket on the Dubai–Hatta Road. The sprawling shop stocks an eclectic mix of goods, from groceries and sweets to kitchenware, toys, clothes and luggage, alongside a selection of Hatta souvenirs. While not a destination in itself, it’s a useful stop for last-minute snacks, board games or colourful pool floats.
Hatta Wadi Hub is designed for adventure seekers of all kinds. The purpose-built outdoor centre offers activities ranging from downhill carting, zorbing and axe throwing to horse riding and paragliding, making it a one-stop base for adrenaline-fuelled experiences.
