Hatta
Hatta
24.7836, 56.1147 Dubai's mountain enclave in the Hajar range, with a turquoise dam, kayaks and hiking trails roughly 130 km from the city centre.
Description
Hatta is an isolated part of the emirate of Dubai, surrounded on all sides by other emirates and by the Hajar mountains. Its main attraction is Hatta Dam, whose reservoir is a deep turquoise and is used for kayaking, water bikes and pedal boats. Walking and cycling routes of varying difficulty run around it, and the changes in elevation create mountain scenery unlike anything else in Dubai. It is a popular destination for day and weekend trips out of the city.
Besides the dam, the area has the Hatta Wadi Hub activity zone with ziplines, mountain biking and rope parks, plus the historic Hatta Heritage Village recreating life in a mountain settlement. The climate here is noticeably cooler and drier than on the coast, which makes Hatta especially prized in the winter months. Many people come with tents or stay in campsites and eco-lodges. The drive from Dubai takes about 1.5–2 hours.
Tip: Arrive at the dam early in the morning: by midday the water and the mountains heat up and the car park by the kayak area fills.
Planning your visit
Best time
October to April, early in the morning.
How much time to allow
A full day, or an overnight trip.
Tickets & prices
Prices are approximate and depend on the slot and conditions — check when buying.
On the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the place and its surroundings.
Good to know
How to get there
Frequently asked questions about Hatta
Can you swim in the Hatta reservoir?+
Swimming in the dam itself is not allowed, but the water is open to kayaks, boats and water bikes.
How long is the drive to Hatta from Dubai?+
About 130 km along the E44, on average 1.5–2 hours by car.
Do I need an Omani visa to go to Hatta?+
The main road passes through Omani territory in transit; a separate visa is normally not required, but the rules change — bring your passport and check the current information before you travel.
What's nearby
Nearby spots — easy to combine into one route.
Nature Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
The UAE's first national reserve — protected desert with oryx and gazelles, accessible only on licensed tours.
Tip: You can only enter with an accredited operator — independent access is closed.
Nature Al Lahbab Dunes (Big Red)
Big Red (Al Lahbab Dunes)The famous red Al Lahbab dunes by the road towards Hatta — the prime spot for jeep safaris, sandboarding and quad bikes.
Tip: Take a tour with a transfer from the city — there is no public transport here, and it is about an hour's drive.
Nature Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
The largest desert reserve in the UAE — dunes, lakes, wildlife and eco-friendly recreation not far from Dubai.
Tip: The focus here is eco-friendly recreation: photo safaris, wildlife and starry skies instead of noisy quad bikes.
Similar places
Nature Dubai Miracle Garden
The world's largest flower garden, with millions of plants formed into arches, hearts and figures.
Tip: A seasonal garden: the 2026/27 season opens on 8 October 2026 and runs into spring.
Nature Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
A wetland sanctuary within the city, where thousands of pink flamingos spend the winter.
Tip: Entry is free, and there are three observation hides with binoculars.
Nature The Green Planet
An indoor biodome with a recreated tropical rainforest, home to more than three thousand plants and animals across several levels.
Tip: Work your way up through the levels — the route is designed to run from the forest floor to the treetops.