Hatta is a scenic Eid road trip from Dubai that’s worth doing. Did you know that it’s just 90 minutes away from Dubai by car? This sleepy town is surrounded by the Hajar Mountains and borders the country of Oman. It’s dotted with date farms, animal sanctuaries, and wadis. Making it a picturesque little town with mountain scenery! Hatta is the perfect destination for a scenic road trip from Dubai. So, take a detour from your daily routine and travel.
The road trip towards Hatta from Dubai is easy and breathtaking. Be awed at how the change of scenery unfolds in front of your eyes, from the magnificent sand dunes to the rocky mountain ranges. The landscape is really incredible. Moreover, there are also many free activities to do in Hatta. Making this undisturbed hot spot a budget-friendly escapade for people from all walks of life. Plus, you can enjoy some fresh mountain air.
With its proximity to the city, this place is ideal to spend the long weekend. The town is teeming with history, gorgeous nature, and family-friendly activities. Visiting Hatta is like being transported back in time with its charming stone houses, narrow roads, and date farms. Furthermore, there are many places such as wadis, parks, and nature reserves that you can visit.
As a long-time resident of this country, I haven’t seen a place so beautiful as Hatta. During a recent road trip, I discovered four stunning nature spots that you can visit and it’s all free of charge. So here’s a list. Grab your pen or screenshot this and check it out! It’s SO worth it.
The first stop is Hatta Dam, a unique place in the town. It’s free to explore this tourist place. Originally a water reservoir, this crystal-clear, turquoise dam became a bustling sports hub. You can hike or explore the place by boat. Hatta Kayak offers rental services of kayaks, donut boats, and pedal boats starting at 60 AED. You can really take in the scenic view from the water. So, don’t miss it out. But if you’re not keen to go for it, then just have a photo-op with your family. Furthermore, you can also go to the tourist information center there and they can guide you about the other places that you can visit around the town.
The next stop is the Hatta Heritage Village, a few minutes drive from Hatta Dam. This stunning and historical village is a restored open-air museum. You’ll learn about the Emirati way of life in the good olden days and have a glimpse of the world gone by! Explore the village and discover the stone houses. What’s more? You can also check out the two watchtowers sitting on top of a hill. You can hike up to the tower and see the great views of this mountain town. It’s a doable hike for families with small kids.
Hatta is known for its rugged mountains, wadis, and farmland and not for its fancy restaurants or glamourous food scene like in Dubai. But that’s the beauty of Hatta. Visiting this nature spot takes you back to the good old days. Life is simpler, quiet, and slow. With that comes a hidden gem at Hatta Heritage Village, a restaurant with an “ancient” vibe and yet has modern amenities. Al Hajarain restaurant has a tranquil setting, surrounded by trees and overlooking a watchtower. You can choose to dine al fresco and have that picturesque view of the rocky mountains. Slow down and take it all in; the mountain scenery, the calm and quiet setting, and the stunning beauty of the watchtowers.
For families with small kids, don’t worry about the food. This Emirati restaurant serves both local and international cuisine. So, you can have the traditional hummus and your children can enjoy a pizza.
After dining here, you can have a short hike towards the watchtower, catch the sunset and watch this jaw-dropping little town from a higher vantage point. The view will take your breath away!
After lunch, you can stop by Swan Lake. This nature spot is something you can do for a few minutes before heading to Hatta Hill Park. It’s a small pond where you can feed the ducks and watch migratory birds flying over it. What else you can do there? You can rent a paddleboat, feed the ducks, and take dramatic pictures of the ducks with a backdrop of the rugged mountains.
Finally, discover Hatta Hill Park. A picture-perfect picnic spot for nature lovers and families. It has huts for barbecue, benches, hilly green areas, a jogging path, exercise equipment, and a swimming pool. What’s so unique about this park?
The park has a mountain walkway where you can take postcard-perfect pictures of the dramatic landscape. You can also hike up to the top of the hill and check out the tower. Breathe, watch the sunset, and the amazing view of the nearby village perched under the rocky mountains.
