A weekend road trip from Dubai to Hatta is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and friends.
Hatta is just a short drive from Dubai and it’s renowned as the city of Gold’s mountainous sister. There are plenty of things to do in Hatta, as you discover spectacular mountains, breathtaking picnic sites, gorgeous hotels and resorts, farmhouses, and amazing natural pools.
This city is one of the most popular destinations for road trips in the United Arab Emirates, thanks to its breathtaking mountain vistas and winding roads. Keep reading to learn where it is, how to get there, where to stay in Hatta Dubai and what are the best things to do in Hatta UAE before you rent a car in Dubai to get there!
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Photo by Jsundar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where is Hatta?
Hatta is a small part of Dubai that is not part of the city limits. It lies in the Hajar Mountains, 130 kilometers southeast of Dubai. It was previously part of Oman, but once Omanis recognized they couldn’t defend the town against the Buraimi tribes, it was given to the UAE in 1850.
Hatta UAE is currently a popular destination for Dubai families to spend their holidays and weekends due to its pleasant climate.
How do you get to Hatta?
Traveling by car from Dubai to Hatta can take up to one and a half hours (90 minutes).
Traveling from Abu Dhabi, the capital city, may take two and a half hours.
It only takes two hours to get from Dubai to Hatta via public bus.
Where to stay in Hatta Dubai
There are many beautiful Hatta hotels, resorts, and farmhouses that tourists and locals can choose as accommodation while on vacation. Have a look below to discover some of the most popular options:
Alberi Lodge
Alberi Lodge is located in Hatta and it features a private pool, a terrace, and pool views. It also has a playground for kids.
The air-conditioned villa has 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully supplied kitchen, and a lakeside patio. A halal breakfast is available to villa guests.
Some of the best things to do in Hatta while staying at the Alberi Lodge are swimming in the outdoor pool, hiking or cycling, or relaxing in the garden with BBQ facilities.
JA Hatta Fort Hotel
The Fort hotel’s rooms and villas are rather spacious, and the resort has two temperature-controlled outdoor pools where you can swim all year round. The Senses Spa offers a variety of wellness packages for travelers of all ages.
Indoor things to do in Hatta at the Fort Hotel include Fussball, pool, and air hockey. Petanque, air tag, mazes, and zip lines are only some of the outdoor activities.
Hatta’s oldest four-star hotel is great for families.
Happiness Farm Hatta
The farm is only a few minutes drive from the Dubai-Hatta expressway. One of the peculiarities of a happy farm is daily renting. The four bedrooms may accommodate up to 16 guests.
Children will appreciate the outdoor play area while adults will enjoy the games areas, which include a dartboard and an air hockey table. The garden is also a lovely place to spend an afternoon or have a barbeque meal.
Hatta Damani Lodges Resort
Hatta Damani Lodges Resort features a terrace with grilling facilities. A children’s playground is available, and visitors can take advantage of complimentary WiFi and private parking.
Air conditioning, a coffee machine, a safety deposit box, and a flat-screen TV are standard in all guest rooms.
Some of the best things to do in Hatta Damani Lodges Resort are to go hiking and cycling in and around Hatta.
The resort is particularly appealing to couples.
Glamping in Hatta at Sedr Trailer Resort
Sedr Trailer Resort is the ideal destination to relax and escape the city. Because the resort is located in the mountains, you’ll need a 4×4 car that’s been approved by Sedr Trailer Resort.
They can take you and your luggage to the mountains and also assist you in setting up your Airstream trailer. This silver trailer has space for two adults and a youngster. A bathroom, a kitchenette, and a dining space are all included.
Hatta Dome Park is another option to enjoy glamping in Hatta.
Things to do in Hatta UAE
These are just a few of the activities you can enjoy as you discover the best places to visit in Hatta:
1. Head out to Hatta Dam
Hatta Dam is one of the most magnificent natural places on the planet, where the earth meets the sky. One of the most picturesque Hatta attractions, it’s believed to be the best spot in the UAE where mountains and lakes meet, a true feast for your eyes. The view of the sunset, the photos shot here, and the tranquility of the Hatta Water Dam will last a lifetime in your mind.
Book your Hatta Dam & Wadi’s Tour
2. Go kayaking at Hatta Dam
An exciting kayak ride down the Hatta Dam will test the thrill-seeker in you. Rent a kayak from one of the town’s kiosks and embark on a thrilling journey across Hatta Lake. As you wade through some amazing types of birds and fish that inhabit the area, you will be surrounded by nature at its best.
Book a Half-Day Dubai Hatta Tour with Kayak
3. Go mountain biking
Mountain biking is one of the most popular ways to explore Hatta’s rocky pathways and wadis. In the city, there is also Hatta MTB Bike Center. Hatta mountain biking, endurance challenges, and amateur events, as well as professional racing, are all available. The center has a range of trails for mountain bikers of all levels.
4. Hatta camping under the stars
Make the most of Hatta’s climate by spending a night camping under the stars. Choose a mountain bike to get to your location and take in the scenery of the desert while you’re at it. Sit next to a fire and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Book a 3 Hour Buggy Tour with Bedouin Camp Experience
5. Visit Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village is a must-see attraction during your Hatta vacation. This roughly 3000-year-old hamlet is a fantastic resource for history buffs and explorers alike. There are also numerous huts and homes dating from the 1800s. It’s in the heart of town, and it’s home to a reconstructed museum depicting the lives of inhabitants in the past.
Book a Hatta Heritage Village Tour from Dubai & Desert Quad Biking (ATV)
6. Go birdwatching at Hatta Swan Lake
Swan Lake, a large pond not far from Hatta Heritage Village, draws a variety of indigenous species. Birds of all kinds flock to the water to swim and feed, from house sparrows and Indian silverbills to kingfishers, herons, and swans. Bring a pair of binoculars to better enjoy the view. It’s also a nice spot for picnics and families. Just remember to take all of your trash with you and not to feed the animals. The lake is open 24 hours a day and is free to enter.
7. Explore Hatta Wadi Park
Hatta Wadi Park is a great place for a family outing. More than 900 trees and other green places may be present. There is also a children’s play area. There are shaded picnic tables and a running track in the pits. There are several water features as well as an attractive promenade in the park.
8. Enjoy a picnic or a barbecue in Hatta Hill Park
Go on a short ride outside of town to Hatta Hill Park, which was created by the Dubai government for recreational and environmental purposes. From the top, enjoy a delicious barbecue with panoramic views of the magnificent mountains and Hatta village. Hatta Hill Park will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip, whether for a romantic evening or a family dinner.
9. Wander through the Hatta Date Farms
Hatta is one of the regions where date farming is a major source of income. The ancient Date Farms can be found in this location. Don’t forget to stop by these date farms on your route hiking.
10. Visit Hatta Honeybee Garden & Discovery Center
Hatta Honeybee Garden is one of the exclave’s best-kept secrets and is well worth a visit. This serene garden is the region’s first queen bee raising site, and it’s best approached via 4×4 or very slowly in any other vehicle.
Put on your bright yellow beekeeper outfits and join the professionals in the yard to learn everything there is to know about bees. You’ll observe the several types of trees that generate honey, numerous beehives, and have the option to participate in candle-making or beehive frame-building workshops in addition to getting up close with the insects.
Book a 4×4 Hatta Safari to Fossil Rock & Honey Bee Garden visit with Breakfast
11. See Hatta Fort & Jumma Mosque
Hatta Fort and Jumma Mosque are the oldest and most historically resembling towers. These Hatta tourist spots incorporate the conventional water system that was used in the past. These are the iconic buildings in Hatta that show visitors the UAE’s past.
12. Have fun with the family at Hatta Wadi Hub
The Hatta Wadi Hub, a 2018 addition to Hatta’s adventure spell, is just about right for an additional dosage of adrenaline thrill. Mountain biking, downhill carting, a human slingshot, ax throwing, archery, adventure rope courses, zip lines, and many other activities are available for both paid and free.
13. Hike to the Hatta sign
Similar to the Hollywood sign, the Hatta sign is on one of the highest peaks in the Hajar Mountain range. It’s visible from several spots around Hatta, thanks to its huge 60-meter tall letters.
You can reach the Hatta Sign on foot only. It’s a quick 30-minute hike from Hatta Wadi Hub.
14. Go for a splash at the Wild Wadi Water Park
There’s another new addition close to the Hatta Wadi Hub that will make you wet (literally!) The Hatta Wild Wadi Water Park features a variety of insane slides and intriguing routes on the water.
Book a trip to Wild Wadi Water Park
Unfortunately, the splendid Hatta rock pools are no longer accessible to tourists.
Tours to discover the best things to do in Hatta UAE
I hope you now see why Hatta is the best weekend getaway from Dubai on a budget and what are the most significant Hatta attractions. You should invite your friends and family along to make the road trip more memorable and enjoy the best things to do in Hatta UAE together.
Hatta road trip guide also available on GPSmyCity.
Mirela Letailleur is a Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France. She writes on The Travel Bunny travel blog about affordable travel in Europe, creator of unique free travel guides, local travel expert. Problem solver. Wannabe coffee guru.
After discovering the best things to do in Hatta UAE, you should read
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