Hatta, Dubai: Heritage in the Hajar Mountains

Overview

Set amidst the backdrop of the spectacular Hajar mountains on the border of Oman, is the heritage village of Hatta in Dubai. Hatta is a popular destination with locals and expatriates, with its astounding dams, water activities and extreme sports on offer. It’s also the perfect weekend destination to escape the freneticism of the city, with a plethora of quaint accommodation options available. These include sprawling resorts, boutique hotels, private personal lodges, airstream trailers, panoramic dome glamping tents, regular camping sites and luxury mansions to name a few! Most of these facilities are dotted around Hatta with picturesque views of the mountains and nearby oasis.

The crown jewel of Hatta is its magnificent dam, which drives tourism by way of picnics, hiking, photography and water sports such as kayaking. Due to its raised altitude compared to Dubai city, Hatta’s cooler mountainous climate brings in many people wishing to escape the heat in the summer months.

As a special extra to this itinerary, don’t miss out on the Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to spot an endangered Arabian leopard!

Where is Hatta?

The extraordinary thing about the UAE is that its 7 emirates have boundaries that extend far beyond many would expect. This is the case with Hatta. It is located about 70-90 minute drive from Dubai International Airport in a small exclave of Dubai Emirate, in a pocket at the northern tip of the main body of Oman. This dates back to 1971 when the boundaries of the UAE emirates were being drawn up.

Fun Fact!
Prior to withdrawing from the UAE in 1971, the British delineated internal borders among the seven emirates in order to pre-empt territorial disputes that might prevent formation of the federation. In general, the rulers of the emirates accepted the British intervention. However, various boundary disputes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as between Dubai and Sharjah, were not resolved until after the UAE became independent. The most complicated borders were in the Western Hajar Mountains, where five of the emirates contested jurisdiction over more than a dozen enclaves.

Google Maps image showing the distance from Dubai International Airport to Hatta

How do I get to Hatta?

If you’re a tourist, the best way to reach Hatta is by private vehicle. Any of the three international airports have car hire options and this is essential for a pleasant stay within Hatta. There is so much to see and do and no reliable public transport in this tiny town so you’ll maximise your options if you have your own wheels. The exception to this may be if you taxi to one of the hotels which has shuttles to the activities hubs, however even these shuttles are not reliably operational. You’ll effectively be confined to your accommodation and there’s no guarantee you’ll find a taxi back to the airport. Advice: hire a car!

Distance to Hatta
From Dubai International Airport – 1 hour 15 mins
From Abu Dhabi International Airport – 2 hours 30 mins
From Sharjah International Airport – 1 hour 10 mins

Hatta expedition truck in the Hatta Heritage Village

An inquisitive owl at Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre

Where should I stay?

As mentioned there are a multitude of accommodation options to suit both individuals, couples, families and friends. I’d highly recommend checking the official website for a comprehensive overview of these.

Important Note
In the month of Ramadan, many activities are only available for a few hours in the morning and late afternoon. If you’ve chosen a contemporary boutique glamping or small trailer option, you may find yourself with limited space, facilities and activities for much of the day.

For this reason, we chose the JA Hatta Fort Hotel, which had extensive facilities and attractions, including a kids pool, an adults only pool and a daily evening movie played outdoors on the big screen! The rooms were incredibly spacious, with a private terrace overlooking the mountains and famous ‘Hatta’ sign and an extensive buffet breakfast spread each morning.

Views from and within the JA Hatta Fort Hotel

Tourist Map of Hatta

Download your copy of this Hatta tourism map from the official Hatta tourism website.

Itinerary

Paddle boat on Swan Lake
Walk around Hatta Heritage Village
Climb the South Tower, Hatta Heritage Village
Climb the North Tower
Rehydrate at Al Hajarain rest area
Visit Green Lake
Enjoy the vista at Hatta Dam
Sign up for adventure and activities at Hatta Wadi Hub
Drive to Suhail Lake & see oryx at the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area
Relax at JA Hatta Fort Hotel & Resort Pool
Climb the JA Hatta Fort Hotel mountain for sundowners
Enjoy local cuisine at Jeema Restaurant
Complete the evening at JA Hatta Fort Hotel rooftop bar
Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre
See an Arabian leopard at the Al Hefaiyah Conservation centre
Extra time – continue on to explore the coastal emirate of Fujairah

For all of my other detailed posts on Dubai, Abu Dhabi and within the UAE, click on this link.

Paddle boat on Swan Lake

Hatta is well known for its many lakes and first on our itinerary was a drive to the serene Swan Lake. It’s not huge but it is home to a huge flock of ducks. Perched between the mountains and Hatta town, it comes alive in the evening with Swan-shaped paddle boats that can be hired for a fee, as well as food trucks to feed visitors.

Walk around Hatta Heritage Village

Next up is a trip to Hatta Heritage Village, a renovated 3000 year old traditional mountain village. Designed to give visitors an insight into ancient Emirati life, this near-perfect condition restoration showcases a cluster of farms chiselled by a freshwater anal, quaint shops selling customary collections and an archaeological cemetery.

View of South Tower, Hatta Heritage Village, from North Tower

All structures are built with mud, fronds, palm tree trunks, stone and reed, mirroring original designs. The Hatta Heritage Village of Dubai is located inside a historic fort. Keep a look out for artefacts on local music, weaponry, palm-tree products, weaving, traditional dress, handicrafts and old society!

Hatta Heritage village and (below) grave

Climb the South Tower, Hatta Heritage Village

After wandering around the Heritage Village, continue up the path to climb the South Tower of the Hatta fortress. From here you’ll have 360 degree views of Hatta, including the stunning mountains and oasis.

Climb the North Tower

Across the road from the Heritage Village, is a narrow unsigned pathway that leads upwards to the North Tower of the ancient fortress. A simple 5 – 10 minute hike will see you reach the top and it’s worth it for the rustic untouched feel that is different to the restored and cultivated South Tower.

View of North Tower, Hatta fort, from South Tower

Rehydrate at Al Hajarain rest area

Adjacent the Heritage Village is a small rest area called Al Hajarain, kindly maintained by the Al Hajarain restaurant. This is an open, air conditioned and carpeted rest area, where thirsty guests can rehydrate with bottled water within a cool space. You can’t beat Middle Eastern hospitality and this was a well received find, after walking around in the April midday heat.

Visit Green Lake (Al Ghabra Dam)

Sadly the Green Lake was closed during our trip to Hatta. It will be closed for the foreseeable future due to site construction and maintenance.

Enjoy the vista at Hatta Dam

Hatta Dam is the undeniable icon of this town and is famed for its glorious turquoise waters, stunning vistas from a height and the surrounding mountains that create a natural amphitheatre around it. You’ll need to drive up a steep road to reach the summit of the dam. Visitors can then traverse the dam structure to a small parking area where it’s possible to get out and take a few snaps.

The Dam has a huge mural of past Emirati leaders painted upon it, which is unmissable from the main parking area below. This depicts the UAE’s founding fathers, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

There is no better way to experience the scenic views than from the water so plan some time to hire a kayak, canoe or paddle boat!

Views of the azure waters of Hatta Dam, Dubai

Sign up for adventure and activities at Hatta Wadi Hub

Hatta Wadi Hub is the centre of all exteme (and less extreme) activities in the region. It’s virtually impossible to list them all but includes ziplining, zorbing, hiking, mountain biking, wall climbing, archery, axe throwing, the ‘big plunge’, tube sliding, an inflatable maze, rovers, e-bikes, a splash mountain and ATVs! There is honestly something for all ages, sizes and interests!

The Wadi Hub looks like something out of an American Western ranch, with rusted cars sawn in half and perched in the nearby desert and an information centre and restaurants with an old era facade. Surrounding the info centre are many of the activities, as well as the Damani accommodation lodges behind it.

Drive to Suhail Lake & see oryx at the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area

A short (unpaved) drive from the Hatta Wadi Hub is Suhail Lake and the Hatta Mountain Conservation Area. This is home to a fenced area of oryx, an Arabian antelope that is the national animal of the UAE. We found this road to be slightly hazardous so did not continue on to the pen of oryx. Fortunately we have seen them on previous trips however, for first time guests it may be worthwhile enquiring as to the best access route to see them.

Relax at JA Hatta Fort Hotel & Resort Pool

As mentioned, we had a delightful stay at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel & Resort Pool! For locals with the Entertainer app, you can also find 2 nights for 1 deals periodically which makes the stay even more cost effective. Having visited in April with the summer sun looming, we were thanking our lucky stars to have some relaxation time by the adults pool. Situated on a terrace overlooking Hatta, you’ll feel enveloped by the mountains and palm trees which wrap around the pool from afar. A team of hotel staff provide impeccable service and are quick to offer a list of welcomed drinks and cocktails poolside.

Climb the JA Hatta Fort Hotel mountain for sundowners

Another excellent feature to the JA Hatta Fort Hotel is its extensive grounds and curated gardens. Our villa overlooked a small hill which garnered our curiosity and we decided to climb up one evening for the sunset. It’s possible to take drinks up here and so we enjoyed a few Coronas with fresh lime at the top! The trek is not cumbersome and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Along the way are various levelled areas with seating and tables for visitors to take rest.

360 degree views atop JA Hatta Fort Hotel’s private hill

The piece de resistance however, is at the top of the hill. With 360 degree panoramic views around Hatta, we felt completely secluded and separate from the rest of the town and spent a couple of hours sinking into the seats and watching the sun change colours on its descent below the horizon.

Hatta has a Hollywood-style capitalised sign on one of its hills which can be captured perfectly from this spot.

Enjoy local cuisine at Jeema Restaurant

One of the frequently recommended restaurants on website reviews is Jeema Restaurant, at JA Hatta Fort Hotel. We visited during the month of Ramadan and opted for their buffet Iftar meal but were also given the option to purchase a la carte. On the menu was seafood, slow cooked lamb, Arabic rice, mezze plate options, a variety of salads and a comprehensive dessert selection. The wine menu was also comprehensive.

Entree, mains and dessert at Jeema Restaurant, JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai

Complete the evening at JA Hatta Fort Hotel rooftop bar

The evening was complete with a few nightcaps at the sizeable Roumoul rooftop bar, with views over the front entrance garden and fountain. Indoor seating is also available for the scorching summer days. There are limited places to buy alcohol in Hatta and its hotels (even at night) but JA Hatta Hotel is one of them.

Rose Punch Cocktail at Roumoul Rooftop Bar, JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Dubai

Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre

This important centre is the first specialised garden in the Middle East and North Africa that offers tours, workshops, and hands-on projects to help visitors discover the amazing world of honey bees. With an area of 16,000 square metres, the bee sanctuary contains 300 of the 4,000 beehives that are owned by Hatta Honey all over the UAE. Tours are interactive and informative and the kids will love it! It is also home to hundreds of indigenous and exotic trees, such as Samar, Ghaf, and Sidr.

Visit the Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre

For those with a little more time, just an hour’s drive from Hatta is this gem of a reserve we found near Kalba, Sharjah Emirate! Spread over 12 square kilometres is this park that is home to over 30 native mountain and desert species. It has remarkable air conditioned indoor exhibits which host snakes, lizards, hedgehogs and scorpions, as well as larger enclosures for the Arabian wolf, tahr, caracal, desert lynx, striped hyena and dassie.

A wide display of desert animals at Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre, including the Arabian wolf, scorpion, Arabian tahr and dassie

Visitors are in for a real treat because the Al Hefaiyah Conservation Centre also houses one of the critically endangered Arabian leopards, so rare that less than 250 remain in the wild today.

Arabian leopard saving energy in the heat of the day

Guests can meander through the indoor exhibits at their own pace and are then shown around in a private golf buggy to see the same animals from an outdoor vantage point. The centre is dedicated to conservation and community education, in order to protect the delicate landscape and its vulnerable wildlife for future generations.