Whether you live in Dubai or you’re visiting for the first time, you may want to get out of the city chaos for a moment. Less than two hours from Dubai, you’ll find the incredible paradise of Hatta Dam. With glistening waters, stunning mountains, and fun activities, Hatta Dam makes a great location for a day trip, weekend away, or entire vacation. Learn more about this beautiful paradise!
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What is Hatta Dam?
Hatta Dam is an amazing getaway from Dubai, featuring a gorgeous lake surrounded by craggy mountains. Originally intended to be a source of fresh water for locals, Hatta Dam has become a hotspot for adventurers and weekend vacationers. With tons of outdoor activities to do, at Hatta Dam and the area beyond, Hatta Dam is perfect for a weekend escape from Dubai!
History of Hatta Dam
Constructed at the end of the 1990s, Hatta Dam was intended to create a source of fresh water for the residents nearby. Before this time, residents relied solely on wells and natural springs. It took Hatta Dam two years to fill up, creating the beautiful lake we know today. Since then, it has also become a significant tourist attraction, especially for people in Dubai looking for a cool, mountain escape. With the wonderful water, mountain views, and cooler temperatures, it continues to be a popular getaway for locals and foreigners alike.
How to Get to Hatta Dam?
There aren’t many options to get to Hatta Dam via public transportation, so the most reliable way to get there is to drive or hire a car. You can rent a car in Dubai for your adventure or book a guided tour with transportation included. The best route will depend on which part of Dubai you begin your journey in, so check the maps before heading out on your journey.
Best Things to Do at Hatta Dam
Once you’ve escaped the chaos of Dubai, you’ll be floored by the beauty of Hatta Dam and the surrounding area. When you’re visiting a new place, it can be difficult to know what to do first. These are some of the top recommended activities near Hatta Dam!
1. Kayaking
If you’re visiting Hatta Dam, chances are you want to spend some time on the water! There is no better way to interact with the beautiful waters than renting a kayak for a spin. You can take a tranquil ride across the lake, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature.
2. Mountain Biking
If you enjoy biking, the terrain near Hatta Dam is calling your name! If you visit Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre, you will have plenty of trails to choose from. You can rent a bike, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own gear. The trails are also marked with different levels, so it’s easy to cater to different skill levels. It’s a great spot for some high-energy, outdoor fun!
3. Hatta Hill Park
Hatta Hill Park provides another place to appreciate nature near Hatta Dam. It is an expansive green space, filled with trails, running tracks, sporting areas, and playgrounds. If you’re feeling up for a walk, you can climb up to the watchtower for great views of the mountains and Hatta Heritage Village. Picnics are also popular in this area, so do what the locals do and enjoy a meal in the natural wonder!
4. Hatta Heritage Village
To get a feel of a traditional mountain village, head on up to Hatta Heritage Village! This reconstructed town gives you the sense that you’ve walked straight into the past, so you can see how people lived in the region in the past. From the houses, decorations, and items, you’ll get a taste of the past in this beautiful mountain region. Entry to this area is entirely free, so there’s no reason to not check it out!
5. Hatta Rock Pools
The Hatta Rock Pools are an amazing mountain getaway near Hatta Dam. The rock pools are filled with direct-spring water, which makes their way through rock passageways in the mountains. In addition to the beautiful scenery, you can swim in these natural pools and relax along the rocks.
Where to Stay at Hatta Dam?
If you want to visit Hatta Dam, you may want to spend the night (or two) so you can take advantage of everything the area has to offer! For a more traditional hotel, continue onto the town of Hatta, where there are plenty of hotels. If you want to get closer to nature, you can spend some time camping or glamping nearby. For something a little different, consider booking accommodations at a local farm, which has a range of room types from single rental rooms to luxurious lodges. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, you can find the right fit with you in Hatta or right near Hatta Dam!
When to Visit Hatta Dam?
The best time to visit Hatta Dam is between autumn and spring, when the weather is the best. This generally falls between September and October, as well as between February and March. Since Hatta Dam is in the mountains, you can expect cooler temperatures there than in Dubai, so it makes a great spot for a getaway. Note that if you decide to visit in the summer, many businesses are closed, so you may want to do your research before booking to make sure you can do everything you want to do.
Can You Swim in Hatta Dam?
Although there are lots of water sports you can do at Hatta Dam, just swimming is not allowed at Hatta Dam. Since the dam is a deep body of water, swimming is not allowed for safety reasons. If you want to do some swimming nearby, you can visit the Hatta Pools, which do allow swimming. Be aware you will be unsupervised though, so it is not recommended for inexperienced swimmers.
Is Hatta Dam Free?
Yes! You don’t have to pay any entry fee or buy a ticket to visit Hatta Dam. While there are plenty of paid activities you can do near and at Hatta Dam, just visiting is completely free!
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