We Went on a Little Adventure and Came Up With These Things to Do in Hatta
We already explored Dubai inside out – or so we thought! Just when we were convinced we already experienced the best of this emirate, there’s a spot outside the city that surely surprised us – Hatta!
This exclave 130 kilometers southeast of the city is a gem for nature lovers, adventure seekers and just anyone looking for a breath of fresh air away from Dubai’s hustle and bustle.
Of course, we didn’t think twice and packed our bags to explore Hatta to see everything that it has to offer. Now it’s your turn! So, wear your most comfortable shoes and bring your sense of adventure!
Travel Back in Time at Hatta Heritage Village
Website: https://hattaheritagevillage.com/
Address: Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 33222
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Price:
- Free
Hatta Heritage Village surely tops the list of things to do in Hatta in our opinion, especially if you want to learn more about Dubai’s history and culture.
If you’re wondering what Dubai looked like before it became this mega city, this is the place to start because this 3,000-year old village will surely take you back in time.
Although the structures at the Hatta Heritage Village are reconstructions of the original ones, the Dubai Municipality made sure that each element is spot on including the materials used to build them.
Some of the must-see attractions at the village include Bait Al Wali, the two Hatta watchtowers located on the eastern and southern side, and the 19th-century Hatta Fort that used to protect Hatta from invaders.
Within the village, you’ll also see different huts with local artisans selling houseware, jewelry and other trinkets that you can take home.
Of course, you can’t miss trying out the different local delicacies being sold in the village where you also get a story of how they’re made and their significance in Emirati culture.
Pro tip:
Since Hatta Heritage Village is close to the UAE-Oman border, make sure to bring your passport just in case authorities need to check it.
Get Your Step Count Up at Hatta Hill Park
Website: https://www.dm.gov.ae/projects/hatta-hill-park/
Address: Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 50 226 2581
Operating hours:
- 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday
- 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Free
If there’s one thing to do in Hatta where you get to enjoy the place’s natural wonders and maybe squeeze in a good workout, it has to be Hatta Hill Park.
This massive 65,000-square meter park sits at the foot of the majestic Hajar Mountains and from the name itself, you’ll already know that exploring Hatta Hill Park will involve lots of walking.
This park is a dream getaway if you want to enjoy nature. Here, you can let your kids have fun at the play area while you prepare a picnic at one of the designated barbeque areas.
You can also enjoy a game of football or basketball for free, although you need to be early to get first dibs on the football field or basketball court.
But if you really want to see the highlight of Hatta Hill Park, you can take the hike going up to the top of the park where there’s a watch tower that gives you the most amazing panoramic views of Hatta.
This hike will be challenging, so make sure that you wear your best pair of shoes. But we tell you that once you get to the top, you’ll easily say that all that walking is worth it.
Pro tip:
If you want to focus on the fun and not worry about cooking your own food, you can actually order from one of the restaurants nearby and have the staff prepare your picnic for you.
Bring the Adrenaline Rush In at Hatta Wadi Hub
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/hatta-wadi-hub
Address: Dubai Hatta Road – Sufayri – Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 852 2200
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
Price:
- Starts at AED 90 per person
If you ask us to vote for the best thing to do in Hatta, you can guarantee that our vote will be for the Hatta Wadi Hub. Oh, and we have plenty of reasons for that choice!
Hatta Wadi Hub is a dream destination if you love adventure and in fact, you won’t run out of activities in this beautiful outdoor recreational facility that you would need at least a day here.
And did you know that Hatta Wadi Hub is home to the world’s largest inflatable course?
To make sure that you maximize your time at Hatta Wadi Hub, we rounded up some of the activities that you can enjoy and how much they would cost:
| Horseback Riding 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM | AED 50 for 30 minutes AED 100 for 1 hour AED 130 for 1 hour and 30 minutes AED 200 for 2 hours |
| Hatta Hiking Track | Free 32.6-kilometer hiking routes with varying difficulties |
| Zorbing 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 55 per person |
| Football Zorbing 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 35 per person |
| Cannon 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 90 per person Weight requirement between 45 kilograms to 90 kilograms |
| Archery 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Weekdays) 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Weekends) | AED 50 per adult AED 35 per child |
| Tube Sliding 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 45 per round |
| Mountain Cart 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 95 per person for 2 rounds |
| Axe Throwing 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Weekdays) 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Weekends) | AED 50 per person for 15 minutes |
| Hatta Drop-In 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 95 per adult AED 50 per child |
| Big Plunge 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 10 for 15 minutes |
| Twin Zipline 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | AED 45 per round |
Pro tip:
It’s best to plan your activities at Hatta Wadi Hub before going to make sure that you get to try things that you’re interested in.
Go Camping In Style
Website: https://www.visithatta.com/en/stay/hatta-dome-park
Address: Dubai Hatta Road – Sufayri – Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 820 5555
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Tent rates start at AED 1,150 per night
With Hatta being a place where you can enjoy nature at its finest, one of the best things to do in Hatta is to spend the night out in the mountains.
But if the idea of pitching a tent, building a fire and not having a proper bed scares you, well, there’s the option to go glamping at Hatta Dome Park.
Forget about putting up a tent in the middle of nowhere because you can stay in one of the 15 luxury dome-shapd apartment tents at Hatta Dome Park.
These tents are basically hotel rooms with all the amenities like a comfortable bed, a bathroom with all the furnishings, a private fire pit and barbeque and yes, free wireless internet.
You even get a terrace to enjoy your breakfast with the views of the Hajar mountains. And if you have a little one, you can request for a baby cot in your tent.
Pro tip:
Hatta Dome Park is a few minutes walk away from Hatta Wadi Hub. So, if you want to be near this adventure park, this glamping site is your best choice for accommodations.
Paddle Your Way Through Hatta Dam
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/hatta-dam-2
Address: Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 56 616 2111
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Free
If you’re looking for things to do in Hatta that involve the water, you should make a pitstop at Hatta Dam.
This massive dam was built in the 90’s to supply Hatta with water and electricity. But its turquoise waters and stunning views of the mountains quickly made it a popular outdoor attraction in Hatta.
You’ll especially love the peace and quiet that Hatta Dam offers and the best way to explore it is on a kayak.
Here, you have the option to rent a single or double kayak. They also have pedal boats, water bikes and electric boats with these rates:
| Kayaks Unlimited use | Single Kayak: AED 60 Double Kayak: AED 120 |
| Pedal Boat Hourly Use | Blue Pedal Boat: AED 120 Yellow Pedal Boat: AED 150 |
| Water Bike Hourly Use | Single Water Bike: AED 60 Double Water Bike: AED 120 Triple Water Bike: AED 180 |
| Electric Boat | Donut Boat: AED 300 per hour Tour Boat: AED 600 for 25 minutes with a driver |
Going around Hatta Dam is such a fun way to spend time on the water with the entire family and you don’t need to worry because there are professionals who are looking out for the guests from day to night.
You can also set up a picnic in one of the designated spots around the dam and get your supplies from the local grocery stores on the way.
But if you don’t want to cook your own food, you can always grab a bite at the Mountain Burger food truck, Al Hajarain Restaurant or the many cafes and food trucks on the way to the dam.
Pro tip:
The dam opens at 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. So, if you want to maximize your time on the water without worrying about the heat, it’s best to go right when it opens or before it closes.
Get Your Caffeine Fix at Hatta Wild Cafe
Website: https://www.visithatta.com/en/restaurants/hatta-wild-cafe
Address: Dubai Hatta Road – Sufayri – Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 56 828 2252
Operating hours:
- 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday
- 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Friday to Sunday
Price:
- Approx. AED 50 for two people
Hatta may be all about adventure and outdoor fun, but you also need some downtime in between all these fun things to do in Hatta.
And what better place to fuel up with some caffeine and good food than in Hatta Wild Cafe! Of course, you can grab coffee anywhere but why here? Simple: the views!
True to its name, Hatta Wild Cafe will make you feel like you’re really in the wild because you’re surrounded by mountains and greenery as you sip on your cup of hot coffee or tea.
But that’s not all because Hatta Wild Cafe also makes dishes using only ingredients sourced from local farms within the area to support local farmers.
That means you’re getting food that’s made with fresh and premium ingredients and crafted to satisfy your cravings.
Hatta Wild Cafe is also located inside Hatta Wadi Hub just beside the Mountain Bike Shop. So, it’s the perfect place to start your day with a good breakfast before heading out.
Pro tip:
Aside from Hatta Wild Cafe, you can also check out the other cafes and restaurants nearby including The BBQ Department, Al Yamm Cafe and Janam Restaurant.
Climb to the Hatta Sign
Website: https://www.hattaoutdoor.com/the-hatta-sign-hike/
Address: Hill Park – Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Operating hours:
- 24 hours daily
Price:
- Free
Who needs the Hollywood sign when you have the Hatta sign? In fact, taking a photo of that sign is one of the best things to do in Hatta.
Here’s a fun fact: the Hatta sign sitting on top of the majestic Hajar mountains actually beats the Hollywood sign for being the world’s tallest landmark sign standing at 19.28 meters tall.
From Hatta Wadi Hub, you’ll need to take a 30-minute hike to reach the Hatta Sign where you get to enjoy panoramic views of Hatta. Don’t forget to take some selfies for the ‘gram while you’re at the top!
Just a little warning: hiking to the sign isn’t a walk in the park because there are parts of the trail that can be quite steep and challenging.
This is why it’s very important to wear the right pair of shoes, so you won’t have a hard time on your hike.
Pro tip:
If you’re traveling alone, you can book a tour of Hatta with other tourists, so you can enjoy activities like the hike to the Hatta Sign with a group, which makes it more fun.
Test Your Endurance at the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/hatta-mountain-bike-trail-centre
Address: Sufayri – Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Operating hours:
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Friday
- 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM from Saturday to Sunday
Price:
- Free
Perhaps there’s no better way to explore Hatta than on a mountain bike. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Hatta and the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center has you covered.
Here, you have more than 52 kilometers of trails with varying difficulties to cater to both beginners and professionals who would love to explore Hatta on two wheels.
What we love about biking here is that all the trails are properly marked, so you won’t be lost on the road. For instance, trails for beginners are marked green while those for pros are marked black.
And if you don’t have any gear with you, Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center offers bike and equipment rental for your convenience. Don’t forget to grab a trail map before going on the road!
Pro tip:
If you’re going on a trail ride for the first time, it’s best to go with a group or if you’re traveling alone, hire a guide.
This will help you feel more secure while riding and also ensure that you have someone to help you in case you encounter any problems on the trail.
Learn About Bees at the Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Center
Website: https://www.hattahoney.ae/honeybee-garden/
Address: Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 288 9588
Operating hours:
- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Price:
- AED 50 per person
A lot of the things to do in Hatta focus on the environment and the ecosystem that thrives on it including bees.
Now, if you want to learn more about these interesting creatures – and try some fresh honey – you need to visit the Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Center.
We started our tour at the bee museum where we got to learn more about bees. Then, we donned our stylish bee suit and got up close with a beehive to see the little creatures in action while they made some good honey.
Of course, we couldn’t just watch the honey making process without trying the finished product. So, we had to stock up on bottles of local honey to bring back home.
Pro tip:
The Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Center can only accommodate up to 50 guests at a time. So, if you don’t want to miss out on the fun, it’s best to book your tour ahead.
Feast on Authentic Emirati Food at Tanoor Restaurant
Website: https://www.visithatta.com/en/restaurants/tanoor-restaurant
Address: Dubai Hatta Road – Hatta – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 388 4994
Operating hours:
- 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 70 for two people
We know you’ll be famished after a day of trying the different things to do in Hatta. And what better way to feed that hunger than in a traditional Emirati restaurant like Tanoor?
This restaurant has been an institution in Hatta for years – and for good reason. Here, you’re not just getting a typical Emirati meal but one that’s made using traditional recipes.
Of course, the star of the show here is the famous Tanor Lahm, a roasted lamb dish that’s been slow cooked in an underground oven to release its rich flavors.
And if you’re ready for a culinary adventure, go ahead and order the camel dishes that Tanoor has on the menu! We guarantee you won’t regret it.
Pro tip:
Feeling too lazy to visit the restaurant but still want to enjoy its famous lamb? Just give Tanoor a call and they’ll deliver your fully cooked roast lamb straight to your accommodation at no extra cost.