JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Dubai–Hatta Road
Hatta's oldest hotel – a calm, family-friendly four-star with roomy chalet rooms. It's being refreshed in phases, so expect some works.
Dubai's mountain escape
Hatta حتا
Once called Hajarain – named for the two mountains whose old watchtowers still guard the village. Today it's where Dubai comes for cool air, still water and starry nights.
- Dubai exclavePart of Dubai, ringed by Oman and the Hajar Mountains
- ~134 kmeast of Dubai city · about 90 min drive
- ~330 mabove sea level, so cooler than the coast
- 35 kmof marked hiking trails, plus free bike trails
- Since 1780Juma Mosque, Hatta's oldest building
☀ Best season: October – April (peak: late Nov – mid Mar)
A look around
Hatta in pictures
Turquoise water, bare mountain peaks and old stone towers – all within a few minutes of each other.
Photo credits and licences are listed at the bottom of the page.
Where to stay
Top 10 stays in Hatta
A mix of resorts, glamping, a classic hotel and private farm stays. Details were checked against each property's own page or a booking site in October 2026. Treat them as approximate and confirm before you book. Many Hatta stays are seasonal (roughly Oct–Apr).
Damani Lodges (Hatta Resorts)
Hatta Wadi Hub
Simple, rustic eco-lodges on the hillside with a private terrace, BBQ and fire pit. Pick a higher lodge for better views.
Domes at Hatta Resorts
Hatta Wadi Hub
Air-conditioned dome tents with their own plunge pool and patio. Great views, but units near the paths can be noisy.
Campers & Vintage Campers (Hatta Resorts)
Hatta Wadi Hub
Caravans, restored Kombi vans and vintage coaches with a porch and BBQ. Fun and compact, with neighbours close by.
Caravan Hatta by Our Habitas
Near Hatta Dam
About fifty stylish Airstream caravans with decks, a shared restaurant and a wellness space – the most "boutique" option here.
Hatta Village Lodges – Ophiolite
Hatta town · ~5 min to the dam
Three-star lodges set in a converted old village, with a restaurant and kids' play area. Well reviewed for the feel of the place.
Hatta Guest House
Hatta–Oman Road (E44)
A straightforward guest house with balconies and breakfast – a practical base rather than a destination in itself.
The Palm House Hatta
Hatta farms area
A modern farmhouse with a private pool, kids' play area and stables with horses. Suits a group of around 8–10. Privately run.
Happiness Farm Hatta
Dubai–Hatta Road, near JA Hatta Fort
A self-catering farmhouse for big family get-togethers: small pool, tandoor, billiards and karaoke. The décor is busy but homely.
Peace Farm
Opposite Hatta Wadi Park
A three-bedroom villa on a working date farm with goats and chickens and an infinity pool facing the mountains. No breakfast, but there's a full kitchen.
Run a stay here? Get listed free – contact us.
Resorts, farm stays and homestays in and around Hatta can be added at no cost. Message us on Instagram @summa_suthuvo.
Resorts, farm stays and homestays in and around Hatta can be added at no cost. Message us on Instagram @summa_suthuvo.
Tip: Hatta Resorts warns about unofficial booking websites. Book through the property's own site or a well-known booking platform. Details are approximate and may change – always confirm directly. Hatta is mostly a dry area.
Within ~30 minutes
Places to explore
Viewpoints, lakes, treks and old towers – most are a 10–20 minute drive from each other. Once in Hatta, the RTA H04 hop-on hop-off bus links the main sights for a small fare.
Lake · Viewpoint
Hatta Dam
The signature view: turquoise water between bare peaks. Go early or at sunset.
Open in Google Maps →Lake · Free
Leem Lake
A small lake with a footbridge, BBQ spots and a playground. An easy family stop with free entry.
Open in Google Maps →Trek · Landmark
Hatta Sign
A giant hilltop sign, about 16 m tall, that lights up at night. You reach it on foot from Hatta Wadi Hub.
Open in Google Maps →Viewpoint · Park
Hatta Hill Park
Picnic lawns and walking paths on a hill, with a tower at the top for wide valley views.
Open in Google Maps →Heritage · Free
Hatta Heritage Village
Restored mud-and-stone houses, a fort, two watchtowers and the old falaj water channel. Allow 1–2 hours.
Open in Google Maps →Mountain trails
Hatta Wadi Hub trails
The start of Hatta's colour-coded hiking and mountain-bike routes, from easy loops to hard climbs.
Open in Google Maps →Lake · Birds
Swan Lake
A quiet pond near the heritage village where water birds gather – nice for a slow walk.
Open in Google Maps →Nature · Kids
Hatta Honey Bee Garden
A small centre about bees and local honey-making. An easy, popular stop with children.
Open in Google Maps →Viewpoint
Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls
A water feature that has become one of Hatta's popular photo stops – combine it with the dam.
Open in Google Maps →Mountain views
Hatta Mountain Reserve
The protected wild landscape around the dam: rocky ridges, wadis and big open views.
Open in Google Maps →"Free entry" means free to visit as far as we know – some activities at these places charge. The well-known Hatta Rock Pools lie across the border in Oman, so check border and visa rules before planning a visit.
Do's in Hatta
Things to do
The labels update by month. Most outdoor activities run in the cooler months (roughly October to April). Prices and timings change by season, so check with the operator on the day.
Camping
Pitch a tent at the campsite in Hatta Wadi Hub, or glamp in a lodge, dome or caravan. Clear winter nights are perfect for stargazing.
Kayaking
Paddle the calm, turquoise Hatta Dam lake with Hatta Kayak. Life jackets and paddles are provided, and there are pedal boats too.
Horseback riding
Guided rides on Arabian horses through the mountain foothills, open to all ages and levels, with lakeside BBQ options.
Mountain biking
Graded trails from green to black that are free to ride. Bike rental at Wadi Hub is seasonal.
Hiking
About 35 km of marked trails over four routes, including the climb to the Hatta Sign. Start early and carry water.
Hatta Drop In
Ride big slides into a plunge pool from up to about 15 m high. A unique thrill with a mountain view.
Zip line & ropes
The aerial adventure park has high-ropes courses, a giant swing, zip lines and a "leap of faith".
Archery, axes & more
Archery, axe throwing, a climbing wall and zorbing – easy add-ons for groups at Wadi Hub.
Heritage walk
Wander the heritage village, climb to the watchtowers and follow the falaj channels. Entry is free.
Picnics & BBQ
Hill Park and Leem Lake have shaded seating and BBQ areas. Bring your own food and take your rubbish home.
Winter festival
In winter, usually around December, look out for the Hatta Festival with food stalls, shows and family activities.
Plan the drive
Getting here
Approximate road distances and drive times to Hatta in normal traffic. Weekend traffic can add 15–30 minutes. No passport is needed for Hatta itself – it's inside the UAE.
Get directions from where I am
Opens Google Maps. This website never sees your location.
| From | Distance (approx.) | Drive time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai (city centre) | ~130–134 km | ~1 h 30 min |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | ~106 km | ~1 h 20 min |
| Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) | ~113 km | ~1 h 25 min |
| Fujairah International Airport (FJR) | ~74 km | ~1 h 05 min |
| Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) | ~115 km | ~1 h 40 min |
| Al Ain International Airport (AAN) | ~149 km | ~1 h 55 min |
| Abu Dhabi (Zayed International Airport, AUH) | ~200–245 km | ~2 h 20 – 2 h 40 min |
| By bus: RTA H02 from Dubai Mall | – | ~1 h 30 min · about AED 25 |
Distances vary by route and starting point. Bus timings run roughly every two hours – check the RTA app before you travel.
Questions about Hatta?
Stays, villas, places to visit, things to do – one place for every question. Send us a message and we'll point you in the right direction.
Message @summa_suthuvo