Visit the village of Hatta and its mountains

A small village reconstituted in the mountains, Hatta was a battleground just a few hundred years ago. Military remains, such as towers and a fort dating from the 18th century, can still be seen. This village at the foot of the Al Hajar mountains, on the border with the Sultanate of Oman, is home to a recreation of a traditional Bedouin village, with period houses, buildings constructed from traditional materials and artefacts depicting traditional crafts. Cultural events are organised to allow travellers and locals alike to take a real trip back in time.

Dating back more than 145 million years, the Al Hajjar mountain is a must-see on a trip to Dubai. Its cooler climate makes it a popular destination for locals. Known for its many farms, the area is now coveted by adventure-seekers. There are several trails for walking and cycling. The more adventurous can take the opportunity to pack their camping gear and sleep in a bivouac during a trek lasting several days. As you get higher up, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the turquoise-blue lake created by the Hatta Dam. You'll also discover date farms, oases and natural swimming pools.

Hattam Dam, the magnificent turquoise lake set deep in the mountains, offers a wide range of activities. The Hatta Kayak rental agency offers canoeing, kayaking, paddling and even water biking. Allow around 1? hours to circumnavigate the lake and enjoy the scenery surrounded by wild mountains. Motorboats and electric boats also allow you to spend a long time on the lake and take a picnic with you. You'll discover endemic marine species such as fish and seabirds. In terms of safety, the site is patrolled by zodiacs at all times.

⭐ Hatta Resorts Dubai

Located in the middle of the mountains, the Hatta Resorts 2* Dubai resort is the ideal place to stay in the middle of nature. The unusual accommodation varies between lodge, caravan or luxury tent and provides all the comfort travellers need, some even have a terrace with a view of the mountains. This ideal establishment has a tour desk from which you can book your activities.

🚌 Getting there: located 130km from Dubai, Hatta is accessible by car or bus. Allow 1? hours to drive from Dubai to Hatta by car. To get there, take the E611 and E102 to bypass the closed border with Oman.

🍴 Eating out: Hatta Hill Park provides barbecues and picnic tables on the lakeshore. You'll also find restaurants in the village or at the Ja Hatta Fort Hotel and a food truck at the Hatta Wadi Hub.

👉 Best period: to avoid the extreme heat, it's best to go to Hatta from October to April. Temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees during these months of the year. In summer it can be up to 40 degrees in Hatta.

📍 Location: here