Explore Hatta, a town in the United Arab Emirates located in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains. It is an exclave of Dubai and is located about an hour from Dubai city. It is separated from the main part of the emirate by territory belonging to Sharjah (which is part of the UAE), and Oman.

Hatta is best known as a heritage village.

The old village of Hatta includes two prominent military towers from the 1880’s, a Fort from 1896 and the Juma mosque, which was built in 1780 and is the oldest building in Hatta. The traditional water supply was through the falaj system, which also has been restored.

Since it is located in the mountains, traditionally it was the summer habitation of Dubai-based families escaping the heat and humidity of the coast.

Since the early 1980s, Hatta has been a popular destination for adventuring expatriates and local families alike ‘wadi bashing’ through the tracks between Hatta, Mahdah and Al Ain.

Hatta’s main economic factor is tourism and water. Historically the area was able to grow date palms, the fruits were used as a food source, while the tree was used for building material. It has a popular heritage village, including a collection of reconstructed traditional mountain dwellings and is popular for weekend getaways with both people camping in the winter months or staying at the Hatta Fort Hotel, which is located only 2.7 km from away from Hatta Dam.

Hatta Dam was built in 1990’s to supply the area with electricity and water. Hatta Kayak is a popular tourist destination and a favorite spot for kayaking in UAE. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plans a 250 MW pumped-storage hydroelectricity at Hatta using 880 million gallons of water 300 metres above a lower dam.

Major air ways mostly traveling into Dubai, easily reached by car or taxi from Dubai international airport, roughly one hour drive by car or bus (65 miles) Bus from Gold Souk bus station in Deira. NOTE: You cross the Oman border twice on outward & return journeys – you need your PASSPORT and VISA or you will be turned away & have to wait for return bus. Local taxis are available around the clock for customer convenience although usually transportation can be provided through the hotel, depending on where you decide to stay.

What to see. Best top attractions in Hatta, United Arab Emirates

• the Heritage village – free entry – walk able from station – interesting recreation of a typical village in the restored Hatta Fort.
• Dam – small dam built to prevent village from flooding with rainwater from mountains – spectacular views from here. Bit of a walk – might be better with a taxi.
• Hill Park – literally a hill that’s a park! Very steep, lots of steps, 2 viewing points (with covered seating/barbecue area) on the way to the top. Fantastic views. Good view of the new residential areas.