Photo courtesy of Dubai Tourism

Just an hour or so on the road, the skyline fades, replaced by mountains, desert dunes, and tranquil oases. Here, you can watch the sunrise from a mountaintop, kayak across emerald waters, or spend the night beneath a canopy of stars among the dunes.

Hatta: From the Metropolis to the Mountain Peaks

Hatta is a quiet retreat in the Hajar Mountains where you can combine adventure, nature, and learning about the local culture. Clean air, an unhurried rhythm of life, and breathtaking views from the hills make it an ideal place to unwind. A walk along the trails may reward you with encounters with Arabian oryxes, mountain goats, or rare birds, including the Egyptian vulture.

Adventures for Every Taste

The heart of adventure in Hatta is Hatta Wadi Hub. Here you can soar over a canyon on a zipline, try your hand at rock climbing or archery, and race mountain carts along winding tracks.

Hiking enthusiasts will find 32 kilometers of trails of varying difficulty, while cyclists can enjoy 52 kilometers of free routes open around the clock. A special pleasure is kayaking on the emerald waters of the Hatta Dam. And the hike up to the famous Hatta sign on the hilltop rewards travelers with panoramic views.

Culture and Heritage

Hatta is not only about mountains and outdoor adventures but also about a rich past. Here you can visit Hatta Heritage Village – a restored mountain settlement with stone houses, watchtowers, and ancient falaj irrigation channels. Strolling through its narrow streets, it’s easy to imagine how the locals lived many centuries ago.

Equally impressive is Hatta 360 Observatory, once a 19th-century watchtower and now a panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of the mountain ranges.

History enthusiasts should also visit the Hatta Archaeological Landscape – an archaeological site that is being considered for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Where to Stay: From Tents to Glamping

In Hatta, everyone can find a type of vacation to their liking – from camping under the starry sky to secluded villas with mountain views.

For those who value comfort, the JA Hatta Fort Hotel is the perfect choice: spacious villas, cozy cottages, and rooms with panoramic views create an atmosphere of complete relaxation.

Those who enjoy unique experiences should opt for Hatta Resorts. Here you can spend the night in stylish Damani Lodges, retro caravans, or dome-shaped glamping tents – some of which come with private pools.

And for those who dream of seclusion, the countryside houses Happiness Farm and Sunrise Farm are ideal options for a getaway with family or friends away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Desert That Inspires

Autumn is the best time to explore the desert. Sunsets here are particularly mesmerizing – the sands shimmer in hues of gold, pink, and orange. Adventurers can enjoy jeep safaris over the dunes, camel rides, falconry shows, and dinners under the stars.

Romance lovers prefer Al Qudra Lake, home to flamingos and other birds, or the famous Love Lake, shaped like two hearts-a symbol of love and one of the most photogenic spots in the desert.

For those who appreciate eco-friendly travel, Platinum Heritage tours in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve are the perfect choice: rides in vintage off-road vehicles allow you to see oryxes, gazelles, and desert foxes while maintaining harmony with nature.

To truly experience the region’s culture, join the Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience by OceanAir Travels, where camel caravans, falconry, and stories of the first inhabitants of the Emirates immerse you in the atmosphere of ancient traditions.

For those craving more adrenaline, there’s quad biking, dune bashing, and sandboarding – gliding down soft golden dunes like snowboarding, only here it’s endless sand instead of snow.

Where to Spend the Night in the Desert

A night in the desert is an experience you’ll never forget. Families will love camping by Al Qudra Lakes, where you can pitch a tent, watch sunsets and sunrises, and gaze at the starry sky.
 
For a more comfortable stay, Sonara Desert Camp offers dinner under the stars, live shows, and an overnight stay in stylish tents surrounded by the silence of the desert.

For total seclusion and luxury, Al Maha Desert Resort is the perfect adults-only retreat, featuring 42 villas with private pools seamlessly integrated into the dunes.

Adventure lovers should head to the Lahbab Desert, where you can explore the red sands by day, ride down the dunes on a sandboard, and enjoy endless adventures – then spend the evening admiring the infinite starry sky.

Why Go Beyond the City

Dubai is often associated with skyscrapers and urban glamour. But the true magic of the emirate lies beyond its cityscape- in the Hatta Mountains and vast deserts where time slows down, and the silence and majesty of nature bring peace and inspiration.

Here, you can discover something new: encounter rare wildlife, try unusual activities, and get to know the culture and history of the region.

How to Plan Your Trip

The best option is to combine the energy of the city with the tranquility of nature. You can spend a few days exploring Dubai itself – shopping, dining, and discovering its modern attractions. And then head beyond the city to explore mountain trails and desert landscapes. This way, you’ll see Dubai from two sides: as an ultramodern metropolis and as a place where nature inspires and amazes no less than its architecture.