Perfect Weekend Getaway: Travel To Hatta

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Perfect Weekend Getaway: Travel To Hatta

3 Oct 2024

Photo by: Abed Ismail

The longer you live in Dubai, the more places you explore, and the question of where to go for the weekend keeps popping up. The good news? You can travel to Hatta; it is a hidden gem just 1.5 hours' drive from Dubai. Hatta offers the perfect getaway for those wanting to explore a more authentic side of the UAE. Whether you are seeking outdoor activities or peaceful relaxation, Hatta has something for everyone.

Hatta is one of the oldest heritage areas in the UAE. Surprisingly, it is not crowded with tourists — at least from what I have seen. Maybe it is still underappreciated, or UAE visitors prefer more popular attractions and simply do not make it here. Either way, for those of us living in the UAE, that is a win — you can enjoy this incredible place without the crowds.

Photo: Klickors Moe

Hatta: What to Do

Hatta is a perfect getaway for those tired of the city's hustle and looking to reconnect with nature. If you are into outdoor activities, it is time to plan your trip. The highlight of Hatta is definitely its Hatta Dam, also known as Hatta Lake. Are you in kayaking or paddleboarding? Then you have found the perfect spot. People come here whether they are staying overnight or just passing through. Despite how it sounds, it never feels too busy. You will get an electric boat or kayak based on your preferences and group size, and soon enough, you are off to explore different corners of the lake. No loud noises, no distractions — just a peaceful sense of solitude.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are several mountain biking trails of varying difficulty. We chose the easiest one, but even that felt a bit risky for me. With sharp turns and a drop of about 1.5–2 metres, it is quite an experience. But cycling at sunset? Unforgettable. You will take a million photos, filling up your phone’s memory, but the memories from your travel will be even greater.

Source: visithatta.com

If you are looking for something more laid-back, horseback riding is a great way to take in the scenery. It is one of those activities that balances movement with relaxation — you are exploring, but you are also recharging, with the added bonus of animal therapy.

Hatta: Where to eat

If you want to try something truly local, visit Janam Restaurant. It is important to understand that this place is a 100% authentic Arabic restaurant, but I found it delicious! I will add my own rule: if you are at an Arabic restaurant and do not know what to order, definitely go for the hummus. You cannot go wrong with that! And the award for the largest portions definitely goes to them.

Guilty pleasure alert — I have a sweet tooth — that is why the place that really captured my heart is Hatta Wild Cafe. Out of all the croissants with different flavours, I chose the pistachio one, and I can confidently recommend it. They also serve regular meals for a full dining experience. The cafe shares the building with a bike rental shop, which only adds to the adventurous vibe and serves as a reminder that it is not a place to sit around with your laptop.

And for those with a coffee craving, drive through the Under the Shades Cafe. Hidden under the shade of the palms, it is located right in Hatta Heritage Village. It offers several options of coffee beans and peace and quiet as an additional value. I absolutely fell in love with the soft cheesecake that just melts in your mouth. If I lived next to it, I would definitely gain a kilo or two just because of it!

Hatta: Where to stay

For me personally, one day in Hatta seems sufficient to explore the area. But let us be honest — you will only go there on a weekend, and who would agree to wake up at 7 am on Saturday to be in Hatta by 9 am and start sightseeing? So the best option is to stay overnight and have enough time to enjoy everything you planned for the next day.

Romantic Getaway

Damani Lodges at Hatta Resorts

A cosy house perched on the edge of a mountain, with oversized cushioned chairs on the balcony and a sky full of stars. This is something you will not experience in Dubai — the city lights are just too bright.

Once you count all the stars in the sky, leave the house — next to it, there is a grill area. In case you forget something — everything you might need can be bought at the hotel, from charcoal to fire starters. And yes, this grilling here is perfectly legal, unlike on the balconies of Dubai’s high-rises

Source: visithatta.com

Comfortable and Adventurous

Caravans at Hatta Resorts

Have you seen those Pinterest photos of a group of friends renting a small trailer to explore the world? Now you are one of them — some trailers are parked next to the pocks, others — right by the dam — the same famous one mentioned earlier. Inside, you will find all the essentials, but nothing over the top. The most important things are there: a bed and a shower. What more do you need when escaping the hustle of the city?

Source: visithatta.com/

For the True Adventurers:

Hatta Camp Site

Hatta also offers camping spots. You get the location and washrooms, and you bring the rest. In case you do not have your own tents and sleeping bags, there are services that have got you covered.

Two things here:

The best part — You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, removed from the world. The vibe is different here—neighbouring tents might play Arabic music, but it only adds to the experience.

The downside — Sleeping in a tent can be a bit uncomfortable — sometimes too cold, sometimes too hot. After a night in a tent, I find myself battling back pain. No matter how carefully you clear the ground before setting it up, there is always that sneaky rock ready to jab you in the back when you least expect it. But it makes you appreciate the simple comforts of home even more.

In short, if you are looking to travel somewhere and escape the city’s hustle, Hatta is the perfect solution. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Just be prepared for that bittersweet feeling on the drive back — it is like leaving summer vacation and heading back to school. But honestly, that is probably the only downside.

by Barbara Yakimchuk