Hatta Voyage Tips and guide

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.

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.

Map of Hatta

About one hour by car, taxi or bus from Dubai – 65 mi (105 km).

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.

Local taxis are available around the clock for customer convenience although usually transportation can be provided through the hotel, depending on where you stay.

• 24.7964156.1187471 Hatta Heritage Village. 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.  
• 24.78467156.1132872 Hatta Dam. The iconic image of the area, where piercing blue waters contrast dramatically with rugged orange mountains.  
• 24.80115156.1293523 Hatta Hill Park. 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.  
• 24.80081456.122664 Swan Lake. 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.  

Supermarkets on the Dubai-Hatta Road sells groceries, toys, clothes, kitchen equipment, beauty products, and Hatta souvenirs.

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.

• 24.82077856.123511 Tanoor Restaurant (next to EPPCO Station). Daily 11:30AM-11:30PM. Specialising in traditional Emirati dishes, including lamb and chicken kebab.  

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.

• 24.81635156.1371241 Hatta Guest House. A budget-friendly accommodation option in the historical village.  

• 24.77910856.1163582 Sedr Trailers Resort. 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.  

• 24.82048356.1356623 JA Hatta Fort Hotel. A well-established resort-style hotel set amidst the mountains, offering comfortable rooms, dining, and leisure facilities.  

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.

• 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.