UAE National Day: How to spend the four-day public holiday in Hatta

Dubai: If you’re looking for a nearby escape during the UAE’s four-day National Day holiday, Hatta is one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations to explore.

Just 90 minutes from Dubai, this mountain enclave offers cycling trails, hiking routes, serene dam views and adventure parks, paired with boutique cabin stays and campsites tucked into the Hajar Mountains.

Whether you're planning a family break, an active getaway or simply a cooler retreat surrounded by nature, here’s your complete guide to spending the long weekend in Hatta.

For cyclists, Hatta is one of the UAE’s best outdoor playgrounds. The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre offers more than 50km of routes weaving through rocky terrain, open 24/7 and free to access year-round.

Trails are colour-coded, from beginner-friendly green routes through to challenging black trails for seasoned riders. Rentals are available on site, though in limited quantities, so bringing your own bike is recommended. Grab a trail map before you start — it outlines the technical level and the type of bike recommended for each route.

If you’re keen to turn your day ride into an overnight adventure, Hatta Trail Camp offers a basic but atmospheric base just steps from the trails.

For a full day of adrenaline, Hatta Wadi Hub is the region’s adventure capital, with activities designed for both adults and children.

You can cycle the hub’s own network of trails, hike across rolling mountain paths, or sign up for archery and axe-throwing sessions. For something quirkier, try zorbing — rolling downhill inside a giant transparent ball. Families also love the 12-metre-high waterslide, perfect for cooling off between activities. Access to the pool and sunbeds starts from AED 25 per person.

Aerial Adventure Park

A major highlight is the extensive Aerial Adventure Park, offering rope courses, ziplines and high-altitude challenges set against the dramatic Hajar backdrop. Activities include:

Drop-In

Thrillseekers can also try Drop-In, featuring steep slides that plunge travellers straight into a pool.

Twin Zipline

For panoramic views of the valley, the Twin Zipline lets two riders glide side-by-side above the rugged landscape.

Prices depend on the activity, for example - the axe throwing is Dh50 per person, wall climbing is Dh50 and archery is Dh50.

If you prefer a calmer escape, head to Hatta Dam, one of the region’s most scenic spots. Its turquoise water contrasts dramatically with the surrounding mountains, creating one of the UAE’s most photogenic landscapes.

You can drive along the water’s edge, take short hikes between viewpoints or simply sit and enjoy the quiet. For the best views, rent a kayak, canoe or paddle boat from Hatta Kayak (starting at Dh60). Personal equipment isn’t allowed, so all gear must be rented onsite.

Look out for the impressive mural overlooking the dam — a tribute to the UAE’s founding fathers, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Tip: Winter can bring rare rainstorms to Hatta, which may affect visibility and outdoor activities. Check the forecast before your trip.

Set at the foothills of the mountains, Hatta Hill Park is a popular spot for picnics, barbecues and family gatherings. The park spans nearly 64,000 square metres with shaded play areas, running tracks and open green spaces.

For one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Hatta, follow the rocky path to the top of the hilltop watchtower. From here, you’ll have sweeping views across the mountains and the heritage village below.

This unique attraction sits among native flora and rugged peaks and is the UAE’s largest honey-producing site. Opened in 2018, the Hatta Honey Bee Garden and Discovery Centre houses more than 4,000 colonies that produce over 20 tonnes of honey each season.

Visitors can don protective gear and approach active hives up close, or join guided tours explaining sustainable beekeeping, bee biology and honey production. Workshops and training sessions for aspiring beekeepers are also being developed.

Entry starts from Dh50.

Hatta makes a perfect day trip, but the long weekend is ideal for staying overnight — especially if you want a deeper escape into nature.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel

A long-standing favourite, this four-star resort offers mountain-view rooms, two pools, a hilltop park and outdoor activities including archery, padel and mini-golf. For something more rustic, book one of the Terra Cabins, built sustainably and positioned to maximise mountain views.

Hatta Dome Park & Damani Lodges

Travellers looking for glamping-style stays can opt for Hatta Dome Park, complete with private pools, or Damani Lodges, where new vintage-style campers sit alongside cliffside cabins.

Holiday homes

If you prefer full privacy, Hatta has a growing range of villas, farmhouses and retreat-style homes — many with private pools, barbecue areas and even karaoke setups. Properties such as Sunrise Farm and Alberi Lodge can be found on the official Visit Hatta website and booked directly with owners.

Hatta Camp Site

For a budget-friendly, back-to-nature escape, Hatta Camp Site offers basic pitches set against the mountains. Each slot includes space for one car, a fire pit, barbecue area and outdoor seating. You’ll need to bring your own tent and equipment, but food trucks at Hatta Wadi Hub are a short walk away.

From the station, hop on the RTA’s H04 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which connects all major attractions including the dam, heritage village, Wadi Hub and Hill Park.