Hatta an exclave of Dubai lies at the Emirati & Omani borders famous for its geological HAJJAR mountain & hydrological HATTA DAM (natural pool). A perfect weekend gateway for nature lovers, adventurers & travelers. From biking to hiking, paddling to kayaking or simply exploring the cultural heritage, there’s much to do in this beautiful mountain village. Here’s a mini guide to Hatta Dam.
How to get there ? Hatta is around 125 km from south east of Dubai city. Reaching Hatta dam is not complicated, it’s around 90 minutes scenic drive from Dubai through the desert & spectacular Hajjar Mountains. Take S 112 , Maliha road from Dubai and follow E -102 route towards Hatta. ( P.S you don’t need visa or carry passport if you take this road).
THINGS TO DO:
Explore Hatta dam by kayak: The breathtaking Hatta dam is famous and most visited place in Hatta and also largest water body in the region. Calm turquoise blue lake set against the rough Hajjar mountain is an unforgettable picture perfect sight. You can explore the dam by kayak, paddle boats and water bike. if you lucky you might encounter local fish & birds. Paddling around the Hatta lake is one of the best way to relax and explore mother nature, but you can also venture in to hidden passageway carved behind the mountains. You can rent kayaks, water bikes & paddle boats from kiosk at the reservoir or you can book online at www.hattakayak.com
Hike through the Hajjar mountain: Hiking in rough Hajjar mountain is another adventure to do in Hatta, where you can hike in undulated peak and troughs. A popular spot for hiking is behind the famous Hatta dam, here you can trek around a winding wadi near the border of Oman, they have varied terrain from sharp rocks to sandy patches with stunning picturesque landscape.
Mountain biking: One of the best way to explore this rough pathway of hills and wadis is by biking. Hatta is also a center for planned pack mountain biking with endurance challenge , professional races and amateur events. Multiple trails for beginner to advanced-level riders have been set up by the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center, an initiative backed by Dubai Municipality. The trails are free to ride and are self-guided with clear markers. While i was there I couldn’t do mountain biking because of on going professional racing event, so make sure to check the details in advance if you are interested in mountain biking from Hatta mountain bike trail center. you can rent bike from Dubai Wolfi’s Dubai or en route from Showka Bicycles (+971 50 859 1934).
Moutain bike trail center. http://www.hattamtb.ae/
+971 4 852 1374 / mkkaabi@dm.gov.ae 
Hatta heritage village: Take a cultural walking tour and visit Hatta heritage village located in central town, which dates back around 3000 years. A restored museum in heritage village shows the life of Emiratis in the past and you can see the 100 year old houses and huts restored as they were. While walking around the village you will find a watchtower & an old fort as well as a mosque from older times.
Hatta Heritage Village
+971 4 852 1374 / info@dubaiculture.ae
Hatta road trip tips:
- keep all your important documents, your car insurance, license and personal id or passport, handy. in case if you need to cross the border.
- wear comfortable sports wear and carry an extra pair of clothe and swim wear in case you want to dip in beautiful lake or splash some water.
- bring some snacks and lots of water to stay hydrated as there are only few shops in the area, but there are some good local food options if you get hungry.
You love outdoors and happened to be in DUBAI don’t forget to add Hatta DAM to your itinerary.
Follow my Travel & UAE adventure on instagram @faridaisrail
🙂 P.S Travel safe Stay Blessed 🙂
Thanks Nancy! Great article!
THANKS ALOT 🙂
Thanks Farida for the good tips 👌
Thank you for reminding about this place called Hatta that has potential to quench tourists’ thirst for adventure. It’s surprising to find that it’s just 125 km away from Dubai city and yet haven’t been explored by many. The turquoise water against the backdrop of beautiful Hazar mountains is a site to watch for. Moreover, with options for hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking, this place is a gem for adventure-seekers.
Thanks neha, its real gem for sure 🙂
Hi! Thank you for this informative blog 🙂 We are actually planning to have our prenup shoot in Hatta Dam. I just want to ask you how were you able to go to the edge of the dam to take the full view of the lake without the railings in the view. Is there a location where we can go down? We actually went there for ocular visit we can’t figure out which area we can get a full shot of us coz we saw it was surrounded with railings and it says not allowed to cross it 🙁 And they said also it’s not allowed to go down the boat in the surrounding dry land of dam.
Hi, I guess from the main area where you rent kayak and boat you can get full shot and walk from the sides, also from the back side of the bridge. when I went a lot of places were open and they weer still building the railings so it was easy to shoot. Try going early morning to try your luck again 🙂
can i bring my own kayak boat or its only allowed to rent
Hey, I am not sure about that but try calling them in advance to check if you can bring your own kayak 🙂
unfortunately you are not allowed to bring your own
Hi Farida
It’s great and a must to visit Hatta. You’re an amazing photographer, I loved your photos.
Firstly, I would say that when I found your blog through Google, I tought you’re are an Israil based travel blogger until I read your about me page . Its quite funny that you name is almost similar to a country with a small differance. Anyway, I really appriciate your Hatta tour guide.