Similar to the rest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the mountainous region of Hatta is one of the top tourist attractions of the world.
Offering a plethora of activities, adventures, and cuisines, Hatta is your go-to place for a weekend escape or having a good time with your family, and friends.
In our guide below, we’ll tell you all that you need to know about Hatta, including its location, what you should do in it, and how you can get to it from Dubai.
Where is Hatta?
Situated about an hour and a half drive from Dubai, the town of Hatta is an exclave of Dubai and is located in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains.
Hatta is separated from the central part of UAE by Oman and the territory of Sharjah.
What is there to do in Hatta?
There is a lot to do in Hatta! Here is a list of the best things to do in this beautiful mountainous region.
Hatta Wadi Hub
Surrounded by mountains, Hatta Wadi Hub comes packed with an array of activities and adventures. You’ll have the options of downhill carting, a human sling shot, zorbing, axe throwing, archery, free fall jumps, adventure rope courses, wall climbing, and trampolining.
You can also go on kayaking and hiking in the area.
Mountain Biking
If you’re looking to explore the natural lakes, rugged mountains, and deserted grasslands of Hatta, then you should definitely head, on two wheels, on the biking trails developed by Hatta MTB Bike Centre.
These trails are marked as black for higher difficulty levels and green for lower difficulty levels. You can either bring your own bike or hire one.
Horse Riding
Ever been on the back of a horse before? If your answer is no, then now is your time. The horse rides are offered during the sunrise and sunset and are suitable for you even if you are a beginner.
The horse riding halts during the summer and reinitiates in October.
So, hop on your favorite horse and witness Hatta from the best vantage points.
Engage in Activities at JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Whether you’re staying at JA Hatta Fort Hotel or not, you must have a go at the activities that they offer.
Amongst the activities offered here are archery, air gun shooting, a climbing wall, zip line, a huge maze, and a nine-course mini-golf course.
Hatta Honey Bee Garden
If learning about bees is your area of interest, then Hatta Honey Bee Garden is your must-go place.
Oozing with serenity, this garden is the region’s first queen bee rearing station. Not only will you get to get a closer outlook of the bees, but also, you will get to interact with the types of trees that produce honey, and view various beehives.
Moreover, you will have the option to participate in candle-making or beehive frame-building sessions.
Hatta Wadi Park
If you are looking for a picnic resort in Hatta, then Hatta Wadi Park, with over 900 trees, lots of green open spaces, a beautiful mountain backdrop, children’s play areas, a running track, and pits with sheltered picnic tables, is your best bet.
You will also find an exquisite walkway and loads of eye-catching water features all across the park.
Even if you didn’t pack your picnic, you can visit Al Yamm Café and relish in breathtaking views while you sip your coffee.
Hatta Mountain Conservation Area
Besides being the region’s only refuge for endangered animals and plants, the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area also excels in the hiking department.
The trail that begins from the foothills of the mountains will take you through the craggy mountains. On your way, you will come across the striking blue Hatta Lake; be sure to pause here for a bit and take a few snaps.
Also, keep scanning your surroundings throughout your venture. Who knows you might end up finding the elusive Arabian cat?
Go Kayaking on Hatta Dam
Surrounded by the rugged mountain creeks, cruising across the Hatta Dam on a kayak is one of the most relaxing experiences that you can get on your trip to Hatta.
You can either hire a kayak or book a boat with a driver who will tell you everything that you need to know about this fascinating region.
Visit Hatta Heritage Village
Once you engage in all of the exciting activities mentioned above, you might develop an interest in the history of the Emirates. For that, we have you, Hatta Heritage Village.
Hatta Heritage Village is a restored traditional village that dates back to the third century BC. The village is a combination of stone houses, water wells that sit among two watchtowers, a traditional majlis, and a fort.
Inside the villages, you can also find a collage of old photographs detailing traditional life in Hatta, a basket-weaving area, and a museum showcasing old tools and weapons.
How to get from Dubai to Hatta
Dubai and Hatta are separated by a distance of around 105 kilometers. To get from Dubai to Hatta, you can opt for either of the five methods detailed below.
How to get from Dubai to Hatta by car?
On your own private car, the fuel cost will be approximately $4 – $8 and it will take you around an hour and 20 minutes to get to your destination.
How to get from Dubai to Hatta by bus?
To get from Dubai to Hatta via bus, you will first need to pick up a taxi from Dubai that will take you to the Ras al Khor Terminus. This terminus is roughly 16 kilometers away and this journey will take around 11 minutes, costing $8 – $11.
Next, from Ras al Khor Terminus, you will take a bus that comes once every 3 hours. This journey will be to Hatta Bus Station and will take 2 hours 15 minutes. It will set you back nearly $6 – $10.
Once at the Hatta Bus Station, you will again have to take a taxi to reach your desired location in Hatta. This journey will cover around 3 kilometers and takes roughly 5 minutes of your time. It will cost you around $2 – $4.
So, your total cost, if you choose to go with this method, is nearly $21 while the total time is 2 hours and 38 minutes.
How to get from Dubai to Hatta by Taxi?
If you book a taxi directly from Dubai to Hatta, it will cost you around about $60 to $75 and you will reach your desired location within an hour and 20 minutes.
How to get from Dubai to Hatta by Rental car?
If you do not have your own car, I would highly recommend renting a car. That way you can easily drive around the mountains and discover and explore the nearby villages. Renting a car is actually quite cheap in the UAE where you can rent a car for as little as $15 a day.
How to get from Dubai to Hatta by Transfer?
You will also be able to hire a transfer from Dubai to Hatta via Gettransfer. You just have to add in where you would like to be picked up and dropped off and local transfer companies will bid for your custom. I have been able to get quite a few really nice luxury transfers for almost no money when I was living in Dubai.
