Dubai's Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, previously announced plans to convert the area into a global tourist attraction. To some extent, it has been made one of the region's major attractions. An inland beach, lake and cable-driven mountain railway are coming, while an aerial adventure park opened in September 2023. The Hollywood-style Hatta marker broke the Guinness World Record for the month's tallest landmark sign.
The mountainous town of Dubai is also an ideal camping site, as the UAE welcomes tourists throughout the year. Hatta is an exclave of the emirate on the border with Oman. It benefits from 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, Hatta is a good pick for a weekend escape and close enough for a mini-daycation. In winter, it's the go-to spot for hiking, biking, kayaking, and adventure, while in summer, its cooler climate makes it worth a visit. And with several new projects in the pipeline, now is the time to go before Hatta becomes a bucket-list destination.
Because of its location in the mountains, Hatta's climate is a few degrees cooler than central Dubai's, thanks to its higher altitude. While this doesn't make much difference in summer, you will feel it's less humid. It helps to remember that there's a temperature difference in winter, especially if you're staying in one of the mountaintop locations, where the evenings can feel quite cold—so don't forget to pack a sweater.
Apart from large-scale projects, the region's changing economic outlook is being shaped by the Dubai Government's commitment to nurturing the potential of its people, particularly the youth. Focusing on advancing sustainable development and entrepreneurship, the government inspires a new generation to dream big and start enterprising ventures.
The Aerial Adventure Park offers various thrilling experiences, enhancing the attraction's status as a tourism destination in the emirate. Hatta Resorts and Hatta Wadi Hub extended its overnight stay options with the Hatta Caravan Park, billed as the region's first luxury caravan park. It is home to 11 bespoke caravans with various amenities, including a TV, kitchenette and free Wi-Fi access. Each caravan is designed to house two adults and two to three children.
The oldest hotel in Hatta, a four-star resort, is perfect for a family stay or a romantic break. Rooms and chalets are quaint, keeping with the rest of the hotel, but you'll get plenty of space for your money. The two outdoor pools are temperature-controlled so you can dip all year round. The Senses spa is an excellent place to relax, and there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family happy, with everything from mini-golf, petanque and archery to air-gun shooting, a zip line and even a maze. There's also an indoor recreation centre with a pool table, air hockey, foosball and more.
Hatta Dome Park features 15 dome-shaped luxury tents with panoramic views of the Hajar Mountains. The tents on-site are all identical in layout and offer the same mountain views. They are 40 square metres in area and have a full range of amenities, including a television, Wi-Fi and a mini-fridge. Each room accommodates two adults and two children, with a king-sized bed and two single sofa beds. Visitors will also have a private barbecue area and fire pit within an ample terrace space.
While there's plenty to see and do in Hatta year-round, remember it's a seasonal destination. Things often close or scale back in the summer. Hatta Wadi Hub and all related activities tend to close in May each year and reopen in October.
Among the new activities for the season are a 500-metre inflatable obstacle course (the region's largest) and Rovers. This four-wheel, off-road electric scooter experience allows guests to explore the rocky mountainous terrains in a new way. Paragliding experiences are available during winter, with 15-minute flights taking participants over the rocky mountains.
The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre has developed around 50 kilometres of biking trails spanning a network of various terrains and distances. Hatta Golden Horse offers sunrise and sunset rides on Arabian horses. The nine-course mini-golf course is ideal for adults and kids and is beside the hotel's resident deer pen. There's also a giant chessboard, archery and air gun shooting, a climbing wall, a zipline and a vast maze. Dubai's only mountain refuge for endangered animals and plants is this region, which has the country's largest population of the endangered Arabian tahr. It's also a great hiking spot.