- Hatta is located approximately two and a half hours away from Dubai and offers a serene escape with outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
- Experience winter paragliding adventures over Hatta’s rugged mountains.
- Enjoy family-friendly activities at Hatta, including biking, zip lining, picnicking, and heritage exploration.
While taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, we recently received a chance to explore the magnificent beauty of Hatta. Situated as an exclave on the border with Oman, it offers a serene escape from our hectic daily routines.
Boasting captivating natural landscapes and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the vibrant urban centres, this emirate exclave is less than a two-hour drive from Dubai, making it an ideal destination for both weekend getaways and spontaneous day trips.
Hatta stands in stark contrast to the city’s modern skyline with its dispersed mountain cliffs, scattered springs, and lush green valleys. Hatta is slowly becoming a bucket-list destination!
Activities to Enjoy at Hatta
During the winter months, Hatta Dam becomes a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, ziplining and various adventurous pursuits.
Meanwhile, in the summer, visitors can appreciate its cooler climate, making it a compelling destination for a refreshing retreat.
Hatta stands in stark contrast to the city’s modern skyline with its dispersed mountain cliffs, scattered springs, and lush green valleys. Hatta is slowly becoming a bucket-list destination!
1. Kayaking
We could not resist taking a ride on a donut-shaped boat on the clean and serene water of Hatta Dam. You can rent a kayak or pedal boat for a thrilling ride, and opt for a guided tour to learn about the region. You can even bring your pup along on the kayak with you! However, do check ahead if it’s open or not, as the activity is seasonal.
2. Ziplining at Hatta Wadi Hub
The club offers several experiences, including ziplining! While we did have our hearts in our mouths, we took our very first attempt and could not get over the sweet adrenaline rush that took over!
3. Axe-Throwing at Hatta Wadi Hub
Test your aim with Axe Throwing and Archery, but take it from us, it is not as easy as it seems, but just as fun! If it is your first time like us, it is something you should explore for sure!
4. Paragliding
Prepare to gear up and be mesmerised by the breathtaking Hatta landscape from above. Paragliding opportunities await during the winter season, offering 15-minute flights that carry participants over the rugged mountains. The sensation of gliding through the air beneath a parachute, observing the world unfolding below, creates a memorable experience. This activity is open to individuals aged 18 and above, although younger participants can also join in under the supervision of an accompanying adult.
5. Biking
Hatta is a prime spot for biking with its network of trails at the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre. Offering about 50 km of biking paths of varying terrains and difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly green to expert-level black routes, it’s a haven for cycling enthusiasts. Bring your bike for a free ride, and with the trail centre open 24/7 and providing free parking, accessibility is a breeze. Rental bikes are also available.
6. Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Centre
The Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Centre is one of Hatta’s hidden gems. This best-kept secret can be approached via a 4×4 vehicle. It is the area’s first queen bee-rearing station. You can wear bright yellow beekeeper suits and head out into the garden to watch the busy bees at hard work making honey. This experience will also be forever etched into our memories!
Learn with the experts on all you need to know about bees and the different kinds of honey being produced at the honey farm, from wild-flour honey to sidr honey and more. Getting up close with the bees you can see what role each bee plays in the making of honey and can see the beehives up close too. One can also take part in candle-making or beehive frame-building activities at the honeybee garden and centre.
7. Traditional Lunch at Al Hajarain Restaurant
What we loved about lunch was the opportunity to enjoy Arabian food that took our tastebuds on a rollercoaster! The fusion, the taste, the texture, and the aroma, everything from the starters to desserts just blew us away. We could not stop enjoying every bit of it over a wonderful bonding session.
8. A Visit to the Hatta Heritage Village
Discover Hatta Heritage Village, a restored traditional settlement dating to the third century BC. This is the perfect touristy activity to do in Hatta, explore the reconstructed stone houses, watchtowers, majlis, and fort. The site features old photographs, a museum with ancient tools, and a neighbouring palm tree farm showcasing the falaj irrigation system.
9. Hike to the Hatta Sign
Perched atop one of the Hajar Mountain range’s highest peaks, Hatta’s Hollywood-style sign boasts massive 60-meter-tall letters visible from various points in the area. Accessible solely on foot, you can hike to the sign from Hatta Wadi Hub in approximately 30 minutes. Enjoy mesmerising views from the top after the exhilarating hike.
10. Night Stay
What better way to spend quality time with your loved ones than being surrounded by serenity? Enjoy a getaway with family and friends in the cabins and enjoy the nightlife at the dam.
All in all, Hatta is UNFORGETTABLE! Everything from the views to the experiences, you will leave a piece of your heart somewhere amongst the high mountains, crystal clear water, and yummy food!
You still have a chance to explore it during the Hatta Festival! So, hurry up and do not miss this opportunity!
