Hatta Dam
Kayaking between mountain walls.
Wonder No. 5 · Dubai · Mountains
Hatta is Dubai's mountain enclave, a small town tucked into the Hajar Mountains near the Omani border. Its dam holds a reservoir of startling turquoise water between bare brown peaks.
You can kayak or paddleboard across the lake, ride the mountain bike trails, visit the restored Hatta Heritage Village or stay overnight in one of the lodges and dome camps nearby.
Why it is a wonderLess than two hours from Downtown Dubai and it feels like a different country.
Best timeOctober to April, early morning.
Time neededHalf a day, or an overnight
Getting thereAbout 1.5 hours by car from central Dubai.
Tips for your visit
- Arrive early to get on the water before the midday sun.
- Weekends in winter get busy. A weekday visit is far calmer.
- Mountain bike trails range from easy to very technical, so pick by grade.
Opening hours, prices and booking rules change. Check the official site before you go: Visit Hatta.
Last checked November 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.