Hatta

To get your adventure fix on a trip to Dubai, head to the mountainous exclave of Hatta, an easy 90-minute drive from Dubai; it’s where us locals go for a taste of the outdoors when the days are pleasantly sunny and temperatures drop after summer.   Surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Hajar mountains, a hiking or mountain biking trip to Hatta takes you through diverse terrain, from rugged wadi terrain along the foothills and farmland to picturesque viewpoints over the turquoise Hatta Lake. The area is also home to many species of flora and fauna including the endangered goat-like Arabian Tahr. There are five marked routes available on 32.6km of hiking trails in Hatta, each suitable for different levels. Should you decide to explore on two wheels, the Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Center offers detailed maps and information for routes spread out over 50km of trails. The nearby Hatta Wadi Hub also offers fun activities such as zorbing, axe-throwing, archery, and mountain cart. Bring plenty of water and a hat; the afternoon heat can get pretty intense in the mountains.

Kayaking in Dubai? Yes, it’s possible and totally worth taking a day trip to the exclave of Hatta, a 90-minute drive from the city. Surrounded by the rugged Hajar mountains, Hatta has developed a solid reputation as an adventure destination in Dubai. Here you can go hiking and mountain biking, or try sports such as archery and climbing at the Hatta Wadi Hub. But the most popular activity in Hatta is to go kayaking in the calm, bright blue waters of a lake formed by Hatta Dam and jagged peaks rising up all around. Single and double kayaks, as well as water bikes, are available for hire from Hatta Kayak and it’s a great way to spend some time outdoors during the cooler months.