Winter in Hatta, UAE: Your Complete Guide to a Charming Escape
Positioned about 130 kilometers southeast of central Dubai, Hatta stands in sharp contrast to the city's sleek urban landscape. Its rugged mountains, scattered springs, and lush valleys offer a completely different natural experience.
Just a short two-hour drive from Dubai, it's a perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway or even a spontaneous day trip. When winter arrives, Hatta becomes an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, inviting visitors to hike, bike, kayak, and embark on thrilling adventures.
Lately, Hatta has gained recognition for its exciting winter events, featuring mountain sports, art exhibitions, shopping extravaganzas, and sports competitions. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Hatta guarantees a unique and unforgettable experience throughout the winter season. Prepare for your Hatta adventure with our convenient list of must-try experiences.
Choose the Perfect Accommodation
Hatta Caravan Park
Hatta Caravan Park offers luxury caravans for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers to explore the serene Hatta landscapes. These caravans feature upscale interiors, including HD TVs and Wi-Fi. Guests can park their cars nearby for easy access and enjoy food from nearby food trucks at Hatta Wadi Hub.
Hatta Dome Park
Starting from September 15, 2023, you can book a stay at Hatta's newest glamping experience. This resort offers 15 dome-shaped permanent tent structures with panoramic windows, providing breathtaking views of the Hatta mountain range.
Conveniently located near the Hatta Wadi Hub, it offers a tranquil natural setting for those seeking an escape from city life. Each dome tent features a private BBQ and fire pit on a spacious terrace, perfect for gatherings. Inside, you'll find double beds, single sofa beds, modern washrooms, and amenities like an in-room TV, mini fridge, and safe.
Hatta Terrace
Set amidst the breathtaking Hatta scenery, this villa seamlessly blends the city's natural allure with modern sophistication. Its infinity pool, complete with both heating and cooling options, caters to the unique preferences of each guest. Attention to detail is a top priority, ensuring that every stay is an exceptional and personalized experience.
The villa is equipped with a fully functional kitchen and even features a dedicated camping area with a barbecue spot. While families with children are welcome, it's important to note that pets, specifically dogs, are not allowed.
Sunrise Farm
This delightful farmhouse is an excellent choice for those seeking an outdoor retreat in Hatta. It features an outdoor pool set on an elevated platform and a spacious al fresco majlis with stunning views of the pool, palm trees, and the mountain range.
It can comfortably accommodate up to six guests, and it's even pet-friendly. There's a compact kitchen for meal preparation, and you can also enjoy a barbecue feast. During the colder months, the fire pit area ensures everyone stays warm while taking in the incredible stargazing opportunities.
Damani Lodges Resort
Reservations for Damani Lodges are available starting September 15, 2023. These cozy lodges are strategically nestled in the stunning Hatta mountains, offering private terraces with captivating hilltop vistas overlooking the Hatta Wadi Hub activity park.
While they provide modern amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and comfortable bedding, these lodges prioritize the thrill of nature exploration over five-star luxuries. They can comfortably accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, making them perfect for family adventures.
Dive Into the Adventures
Hatta Wadi Hub
If you're seeking adventure, a visit to Hatta Wadi Hub is a must. This purpose-built facility, surrounded by picturesque mountains, offers a wide array of thrilling activities. You can take your pick from options like downhill karting, zorbing, human slingshot, axe throwing, archery, free-fall jumps, adventure rope courses, wall climbing, and trampolining. Additionally, the hub can arrange kayaking and hiking excursions in the nearby landscapes.
Twin Zipline
Experience the exhilaration of the Twin Zipline, spanning a 350m distance from the hilltop to the activity center while enjoying breathtaking views of the valley below. Challenge a friend to a thrilling race on this zipline adventure. Keep in mind that participants must be at least 6 years old and weigh between 45 kg - 90 kg.
Kayaking
Kayaking is among the top activities at Hatta Wadi Hub, offering a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape. Paddle along the vibrant waters of Hatta Dam while enjoying the stunning mountain vistas.
Axe Throwing
Engage in the unique and thrilling activity of Axe Throwing, the first of its kind in the country. This experience is tailor-made for individuals who enjoy activities that combine strength and precision. Expert guidance on safety is provided to ensure a safe and exhilarating adventure. Please note that participants must be aged 16 and above to take part in this activity.
Paragliding
Experience the exhilaration of paragliding and soar through the skies while enjoying the panoramic views of Hatta's beautiful landscapes. This thrilling adventure is available for participants aged 18 and above, with younger individuals requiring adult supervision.
Horse Riding
Explore the stunning Hatta mountainscape from a unique perspective by embarking on horseback adventures with Hatta Golden Horse. They offer both sunrise and sunset rides on Arabian horses, catering to riders of all experience levels, including beginners.
Gel Ball
A fun-filled game similar to paintball but with less impact. Gather your group for this unique activity. Please be aware that participants must be at least 8 years old to participate.
Tube Sliding
Experience the thrill of sliding down a grassy slope in a tube, either solo or with friends! This exciting activity is suitable for individuals aged 15 and above, providing loads of fun for all.
Zorbing
A thrilling activity where participants are safely encased within a large, transparent ball and then rolled down a hill or slope. Originating from New Zealand, this fun-filled experience is open to individuals aged 6 and above who want to give it a try at Hatta Wadi Hub.
Small and Big Plunges
Children aged 6 and above can enjoy the small compact plunges. It's important to keep in mind that there is a weight requirement of 15 kg - 50 kg. The big plunges are suitable for adults who want to experience the sheer delight of bouncing, provided they weigh between 50 kg and 110 kg.
Net Walking
Encounter the breathtaking desert landscape while strolling across a suspended net bridge in the wadi. This activity is suitable for individuals aged 4 and older. Keep in mind that there is a weight requirement of 15 kg to 110 kg.
Explore the hidden treasures
Hatta Honey Bee Garden and Discovery Center
Hatta Honeybee Garden, a well-kept secret in this exclave, serves as an educational hub highlighting the history of beekeeping and the essential role of bees in the natural ecosystem.
Visitors have the opportunity to don beekeeper suits, explore beehives, learn about honey-producing trees, and engage in candle-making activities. The center promotes sustainable beekeeping practices and underscores the significance of bee conservation.
Hatta Heritage Village
Established in 2001, this village serves as a living tribute to Dubai's heritage, featuring reconstructed huts, traditional shops, life-sized prototypes, documents, and sculptures.
Visitors can explore its numerous rooms, courtyards, and relax in shaded seating areas. Beyond the house, local artisans continue age-old traditions of crafting jewelry, weaponry, pottery, and utensils using materials like clay, leather, and copper sourced from the mountains.
The village also offers insights into social customs, including wedding rituals, folklore, games, and traditional songs, making it an ideal escape from the city.
World’s Largest Mural
Surprisingly, amidst the Hatta mountains, you can find the world's largest inclined mural, depicting the UAE's founding fathers, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. This street art project, near Hatta Dam, offers a unique picnic spot for guests at the Sedr Trailers Resort.
Forts and Citadels
Discover the historic Hatta Fort, constructed in 1896, a prominent architectural marvel in the UAE. This complex building served as both a dwelling and a defense stronghold, features a spacious inner courtyard and an impressive 11-meter watchtower.
A brief stroll from the village will lead you to the Al Sharia palm tree farm. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful walk amidst the trees and observe the extensive underground falaj irrigation system, which spans several kilometers before resurfacing.
Hatta Hill Park
Constructed in 2004, Hatta Hill Park graces the mountainside with its presence and is a popular destination for picnics and BBQs. It boasts abundant space for children to run around and engage in outdoor activities, along with running tracks and sports fields. Perched at the park's highest point stands a tower, offering fantastic viewpoints of the nearby Hajar Mountain range and the picturesque village.
Hatta Swan Lake
Near Hatta Heritage Village lies Swan Lake, a vast pond teeming with a variety of local bird species. House sparrows, Indian silverbills, kingfishers, herons, and swans are among the frequent visitors who come here to swim and dine.Grab your binoculars, enjoy the view, and consider it a fantastic spot for family outings and picnics.
Savor the local flavors
Tanoor Lahm Restaurant
Located near JA Hatta Fort Hotel, may not have an extravagant appearance, but it offers delicious traditional Emirati food. The menu includes lentil soup, kebabs, and chicken or lamb tanoor, prepared using the ancient method of slow-roasting meat underground for over 12 hours. While the simple seating and plastic tablecloths may not impress, the quality and affordability of the food make it a must-visit for meat enthusiasts.
Al Hajarain
Located within Hatta Heritage Village, this restaurant provides an authentic Emirati culinary adventure featuring traditional dishes such as biryani, fattoush, machboos, and pulav. Positioned in the historic Shari'a region of Hatta, the restaurant prioritizes locally sourced ingredients while maintaining affordable prices.
In the winter, you can enjoy your meal on the terrace with scenic views. The menu also includes international options for picky eaters.
Hatta Wild Cafe
This trendy café, located within Hatta Wadi Hub, offers a delightful coffee experience. In addition to a diverse selection of specialty coffees, the café serves light snacks, pastries, delectable desserts, refreshing smoothies, and milkshakes. It's worth noting that even Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has frequented this café, attesting to its high quality and popularity.
Whether you're seeking adventure, a glimpse into history and culture, or simply a serene environment to unwind, Hatta offers it all. With its natural beauty, rich heritage, and exciting activities, Hatta is a must-visit destination that rejuvenates your senses during the winter days. So, if you're in need of a refreshing escape, look no further than Hatta.