Dubai: UAE’s longest mountain trail in Hatta, a project that spans a total of 86 kilometers has been completed. Featuring 21 cycling routes covering 53 kilometers and 17 walking trails extending 33 kilometers, the Hatta Mountain Trails are designed to elevate the region’s standing as a hub for outdoor sports, tourism, and international events.
The trails include extensive infrastructure such as 14 rest stops, nine wooden bridges, 176 signposts, and 650 directional signs. The development aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of enhancing the quality of life and positioning the Emirate as a global leader in health, wellness, and active living.
Project overview: Creating World-class outdoor experiences
The Hatta Mountain Trails offer a diverse range of routes with varying levels of difficulty, all color-coded for user convenience:
Green level: Four tracks each for cycling and walking, designed for beginners.
Blue level: Six cycling routes and three walking paths for intermediate users.
Red level: Eight cycling and six walking trails catering to advanced users.
Black level: Three cycling and four walking routes for seasoned adventurers.
In addition to the trails themselves, facilities have been added to support visitors, including car parks, toilets, bike rental and repair stations, picnic spots, and rest stops. The new infrastructure will not only cater to individual adventurers but also facilitate large-scale events such as races and competitions, further embedding Hatta’s reputation in the global adventure sports community.
Leadership vision: Enhancing Dubai’s quality of life
Commenting on the project, H.E. Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, stated: “In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Hatta Mountain Trails have been developed to improve the quality of life in Dubai and reinforce the city’s status as the world’s most active and healthy metropolis.”
He added, “Our goal is to establish Hatta as a leading tourist destination that offers world-class outdoor experiences for residents, tourists, and professional athletes alike. The trails have been designed with international safety and health standards in mind, while materials and structures were carefully selected to blend harmoniously with the natural Hatta landscape.”
Phase-wise development: Speed and precision in execution
The project was executed in two phases, with the first phase focusing on expanding and maintaining existing trails and stabilizing the soil for better accessibility. Comprehensive maintenance was carried out on existing bridges, with replacements made where needed.
The second phase involved building service facilities and rest stops, alongside the installation of signposts and directional signage to ensure a safe and seamless experience for all users. Despite the complexity of the terrain, the first phase was completed in a record time of 10 months, demonstrating Dubai Municipality’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects.
Scenic routes through Hatta’s natural landscape
One of the project’s key attractions is the diverse terrain that the trails cover. Adventurers will traverse rocky paths, mountain peaks, and valleys, offering panoramic views that highlight Hatta’s natural beauty. Whether for leisure, fitness, or professional training, the Hatta Mountain Trails provide an inclusive environment for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Positioning Hatta as a premier adventure tourism destination
As part of a comprehensive strategy to promote tourism in the area, Dubai Municipality plans to host a variety of events throughout the year, fostering a vibrant community of cyclists, hikers, and outdoor sports enthusiasts. The Hatta Mountain Trails are set to become a cornerstone in Dubai’s adventure tourism landscape, attracting visitors from across the globe and positioning Hatta as a must-visit destination in the region.
The completion of the Hatta Mountain Trails underscores Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to offer residents and tourists world-class recreational facilities while supporting the emirate’s vision of becoming a leading global city in health, lifestyle, and tourism.