🚶Walking Atlas

Hatta walking tour & city guide

Dubai's mountain escape.

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Hatta, an exclave of Dubai in the Hajar Mountains, is a cool green escape from the city, famous for the turquoise Hatta Dam, kayaking and mountain trails.

The dam

Hatta Dam's turquoise water is surrounded by rocky peaks. Visitors kayak and paddleboard on the lake, and a waterfall cascades down the dam wall.

Heritage and trails

Hatta Heritage Village recreates a traditional mountain settlement with watchtowers. Mountain bike trails and hiking paths cross the surrounding hills.

A day in the mountains

Arrive early to beat the heat and rent a kayak or a pedal boat on Hatta Dam. Paddling across the turquoise water between bare rocky peaks is one of the most surprising experiences in the UAE. Afterwards, visit the Hatta Heritage Village, with its stone houses, falaj channels and two watchtowers.

Hatta Wadi Hub is the base for adventure activities, from mountain biking to zip lines. Even if you don't do anything adventurous, the drive itself, through red dunes and then into the mountains, is half the fun.

Good to know

Hatta is part of Dubai but sits about 90 minutes from the city, close to the Oman border. The main road passes briefly near Oman, so carry your ID.

The cooler months, October to April, are best. Local farms sell honey, and the town holds a honey festival in winter.

Top sights in Hatta

  1. 1

    Hatta Dam

    A turquoise mountain lake.

  2. 2

    Hatta Heritage Village

    A traditional village.

  3. 3

    Hatta Wadi Hub

    Adventure activities.

  4. 4

    Hill Park

    Views over the valley.

  5. 5

    Mountain road

    A scenic drive from Dubai.

Food markets & where to eat in Hatta

  1. Hatta Wadi Hub

    Food trucks and cafés.

  2. Honey market

    Local mountain honey.

  3. Town center

    Simple local eateries.

Food to try in Hatta

  1. Hatta honey

    From mountain hives.

  2. Dates

    From local farms.

  3. Grilled meat

    Mountain barbecue.

Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.

Plan your trip to Hatta

Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.

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