Hatta
- Not to be confused with Hetta in Finnish Lapland..
Hatta is a town that is an exclave of the Emirate of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains. It is about an hour from Dubai. It is separated from the main part of the emirate by territory belonging to Sharjah (which is also part of the UAE), and Oman. Hatta is best known as a heritage village.
Understand
Hatta's status as a Dubai exclave dates to the late 19th century, when the village of Hajarain (also known as Hijrain) in Wadi Hatta was granted to Sheikh Rashid I Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, by Turki bin Said, Sultan of Muscat and Oman. Because of its altitude and cooler temperatures, Hatta has long served as a retreat from the heat of the city. And nowadays, it attracts visitors with its heritage, mountain scenery, and growing adventure tourism scene.
Hatta is something of a seasonal destination — the Hatta Wadi Hub and most outdoor activities tend to close in May and reopen in October, as summer temperatures still rise considerably even at altitude.
Get in
About one hour by car, taxi or bus from Dubai – 65 mi (105 km).
Get in
From Dubai, the drive takes approximately 90 minutes via the E102 (Sharjah-Kalba Road), a well-maintained highway that passes through scenic desert and mountain landscapes. No 4x4 vehicle is required unless you plan to explore off-road trails.
By public transport, the RTA Hatta Express Bus (H02) runs from Dubai Mall to Hatta Main Bus Station in around 1.5 hours, with fares payable by Nol Card for AED 25. Taxis from Dubai are also available, though a one-way trip typically costs around AED 200–300 — haggle the fare in advance.
For international visitors, the nearest major airport is Dubai International Airport (DXB), from which Hatta is a roughly 90-minute drive. Car rental agencies at the airport are plentiful, and most standard rentals are sufficient for the journey.
Get around
Local taxis are available around the clock for customer convenience although usually transportation can be provided through the hotel, depending on where you stay.
See
- 1 Hatta Heritage VillageCategory:Has map markers. A reconstructed old village displaying scenes from everyday life in the past. Features two prominent 18th-century military watchtowers and the Juma Mosque (built in 1780), the oldest building in Hatta. Around 30 traditional loam houses are also preserved on the site. The traditional falaj water supply system has been restored and can be seen nearby. Free.
- 2 Hatta DamCategory:Has map markers. The iconic image of the area, where piercing blue waters contrast dramatically with rugged orange mountains.
- 3 Hatta Hill ParkCategory:Has map markers. Built in 2004 over a mountain, popular for picnics and barbecues, with a children's playground, running tracks, and a tower at the summit offering excellent views of the Hajjar range and village below.
- 4 Swan LakeCategory:Has map markers. A serene spot where visitors can hire swan-shaped pedal boats and watch waterfowl against a backdrop of mountain scenery. A good stop for families and couples.
- 5 Hatta FalajCategory:Has map markers. An ancient falaj built hundreds of years ago, 587-meter-long tunnel in the ground
Do
Buy
Supermarkets on the Dubai-Hatta Road sells groceries, toys, clothes, kitchen equipment, beauty products, and Hatta souvenirs.
Eat
Hatta has a varied food scene, ranging from local restaurants to food trucks serving everything from Emirati dishes and Arabian cuisine to pasta and açaí bowls.
- 1 Tanoor RestaurantCategory:Has map markers (next to EPPCO Station). Daily 11:30AM-11:30PM. Specialising in traditional Emirati dishes, including lamb and chicken kebab.
- 2 Alhajarain RestaurantCategory:Has map markers (next to Hatta Heritage Village), toll-free: 800 42527246. Daily 08:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Specialising in Multi culinary dishes. 50–100 AED.
Drink
Driking options are limited compared to Dubai. Coffee shops and casual cafés can be found in the village centre, including Al Yamm Cafe and Alberi Cafe. Note that alcohol availability is limited to select resort venues.
Sleep
Budget
- 1 Hatta Guest HouseCategory:Has map markers. A budget-friendly accommodation option near the main road.
Mid-range
- 2 Sedr Trailers ResortCategory:Has map markers. A glamping-style resort offering trailers with sleeping space for up to six people, a small kitchen, barbecue area, and fire pit, with excellent stargazing on clear nights.
Splurge
- 3 JA Hatta Fort HotelCategory:Has map markers. A well-established resort-style hotel set amidst the mountains, offering comfortable rooms, dining, and leisure facilities.
- 4 Ivory House ResortCategory:Has map markers, toll-free: 800 67 446 5483, info@ophiolite.com. This spacious villa has nine bedrooms and ten bathrooms, featuring living and family rooms for guest comfort. Enjoy a rooftop pool, sun terrace, lush garden, and free WiFi. The villa includes air-conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with views, and amenities like a washing machine, dishwasher, and free on-site parking.
Connect
Free Wi-Fi is available on some accomodations, though the speed can vary due to the mountain terrain. Mobile coverage from UAE networks is generally available in the town centre.
Go next
- Musandam — Dramatic Omani fjords within reach for those with the right documentation.
- Fujairah — Continue east to the UAE's east coast and the Gulf of Oman, with beaches and historical forts.
- Dubai — Head back west to the urban energy of the emirate, about 90 minutes away. Category:DubaiCategory:All destination articles