Your Ultimate Guide to Hatta

Once part of Oman, Hatta is an exclave in the Emirate of Dubai and a major tourist destination in the UAE. Situated high on the imposing Hajar Mountains, the town of Hatta lies about 130 km southeast of central Dubai. It was once known for its historic fort and small desert farms.

For those looking for a leisure guide to Hatta there are a growing number of places to stay, from veteran hotels and cool glamping spots to a host of ultra-stylish luxury villas.

The relatively cool Hatta’s climate and thriving tourism make this region a must-see. Hatta makes the most of its landscapes with plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities:

• mountain biking,
• hiking trails,
• kayaking,
• paragliding,
• ziplining,
• horse riding.

Hatta resorts are leading tourist destinations, well-connected to Dubai. It is the perfect tourist destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The Hatta desert is ideal for camping and caravanning. Read this guide to Hatta to learn all about how to plan an exciting holiday from Dubai to Hatta.

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Traveling to Hatta

The easiest way to get to Hatta is by car. The scenic Sharjah-Kalba route along the E102 highway is the most convenient option. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Hatta from the center of Dubai. There are several gas stations along the highway, but still it’s best to stock up on gas and pack a picnic lunch in the city before you set off. There are free parking spaces available in Hatta.

If you don’t have a car, you can easily find a VIP car rental in Dubai and select the perfect car for you. Ferrari rental or Lambo rental are available. The car fleet will delight you.

There are still a few options for getting to Hatta. An express bus runs from 7 am to 7 pm every day, connecting the Dubai Mall Bus Station with the Hatta Bus Station. The service runs every two hours and costs about 25AED. You can take the Hatta Hop on Hop off which runs every 30 minutes and passes by the Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta Hill Park, and Hatta Dam. You can also take a taxi. A one-way trip will cost you about 295AED.

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Things to Do in Hatta

So, we have figured out how to get to Hatta, but what to do there. Here you will have many options.

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Hatta Wadi Hub

Upon arrival, you can visit the Hatta Wadi Hub. This entertainment center has many surprises, including the Middle East's first outdoor zorbing track. If zorbing is not your thing, you can throw axes, try archery, rock climbing on the wall, visit the airpark with a free fall zone and zip line, and have fun in the pool. You can also sign up for a hot air balloon ride. If all this is not your thing, you can practice yoga. In 2024, new attractions were added: a special children's area, spear throwing, and a shooting range.

Сamping under the stars

If you like this kind of recreation, you can bring your own tent or come by caravan and settle down against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. This place is perfect for uniting with nature.

Mountain biking

This activity in Hatta offers a new level of difficulty, as you will have to ride through the Hajar Mountains. Depending on your abilities, there are different mountain bike trails, you can choose the one that suits you.

The rock pools

For this activity, you will need to bring documents with you, as these pools are located in neighboring Oman. These pools are natural freshwater springs and waterfalls that you can wander around. The road to them passes through the desert, so the rock pools are a real oasis. The best time to visit the pools is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not aggressive.

Hatta Dam

The Hatta Dam is an iconic site in the region. The bright blue waters contrast with the rugged mountains, creating a stunning contrast. You can go kayaking or take a catamaran ride here. If you love luxury, you can come here in a chic car.

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Explore Hatta Town

If you are not looking for extreme sports, the best option is to head to the town of Hatta. It is home to a 16th-century fort and the Juma Mosque, built in 1780.

Hatta Heritage Village

In Hatta, you can visit old traditional buildings made of clay, reed, and stone. It is a meticulous reconstruction of an old mountain village. Hatta Heritage Village gives you a glimpse of what life was like in the Hajar Mountains and the UAE before the oil boom of the 1960s.

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What to Eat in Hatta

After you've had your fill of exploring Hatta and seeing its beauty, you might be hungry. Luckily, there are a number of options to choose from. You can try local cuisine, buy snacks from food trucks, and order.

So, here are some places to stop for lunch or dinner:

• Tanoor Restaurant on Dubai Hatta Road offers traditional Arabic cuisine with a delicious menu of chicken, lamb, and camel.
• Hatta Wild Cafe offers fresh coffee, sandwiches, and more.
• Al Hajarian Restaurant and Tent in Hatta Heritage Village is located in the historic Sharia area and serves local cuisine made from fresh local ingredients, making it a great way to experience Hatta's culinary culture.
• Alberi Cafe is located on the shores of Hatta Lake, where you can pick from a variety of coffees and sit in the shade of trees.

There is a picnic area with many food trucks. Here, you can buy burgers, doner rolls, pizza, and pasta from Adrina. In short, no one will go hungry here.

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Where to Stay in Hatta

Hatta is a good place to go for a day, especially by car. But if you want to relax in nature a little longer, you can book a room at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel. This four-star resort has been operating for over thirty years. There are rooms with excellent views of the Hajar Mountains. You can go to the pool, park, and attend various outdoor activities. Here, you will be offered archery, golf, and shooting.

Fans of ecotourism and maximum proximity to nature can stay in Terra Cabins. You can rent similar rooms in other premium places, such as:

• Hatta Sedr Trailer Park
• Hatta Dome Park
• Hatta Damani Lodges

The last hotel has vintage campers available for accommodation.

If you want a little luxury in nature, Hatta has many holiday homes. Modern villas have private pools, rustic farmhouses with barbecue areas, and karaoke. As mentioned earlier, you can stay in Hatta with a tent or campervan. Some pitches are located near the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre.

There are barasti huts, barbecue areas, showers, and toilets. If you choose this recreation method, make sure you have all the necessary mountain camping equipment. You can also rent a campervan from Hatta Caravans.

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Best Time to Visit Hatta

Although Hatta village has a cooler climate than Dubai due to its location in the Hajar Mountains, you'll still want to visit in winter months. It's a safer time to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.

Many attractions in the area close during the summer, and the season usually starts around mid-September. Although some seasoned travelers recommend waiting until October for better weather. The peak season lasts until April, with everything closing in mid-May.

So, Hatta is a great place to travel from Dubai. You can spend a great weekend in the mountains, taking a break from the city's hot climate. Hatta has many places and activities for every taste, from active hiking and cycling to visiting a historical village.

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New for the 2025 Season

In 2025, Hatta is set to introduce several new locations. Nature and adventure lovers should appreciate them. Among the new features will be a new waterfall on top of the dam, and the water is expected to be pumped back; new recreation areas, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops will be organized near the waterfall. Although Hatta is far from the sea, an artificial lagoon and a beach are also planned.