Hatta Water Dam

Hatta is Dubai’s mountainous little sister. An exclave of the emirate that sits on the border with Oman, it benefits from some fantastic natural scenery and a more laid-back pace of life than the UAE’s big cities. Less than a two-hour drive from Dubai, it’s a good pick for a weekend escape and close enough for a mini-daycation. In winter, Hatta is the go-to spot for hiking, biking, kayaking, and adventure, while in summer it’s worth a visit for its cooler climes. If you’re planning a trip out east, here’s everything you need to know from where to stay and what to do to where to go for the best local food in town. Hatta is an old village located in the mountains and was traditionally used to escape the searing summer heat of Dubai. Located at in the foothills of the Hajar mountains and is bestowed with plenty of traditional culture and heritage.