Hatta for Active Weekends: Hiking, Kayaking and Bike Trails

Hatta's mountain trails, completed by Dubai Municipality in August 2024, have 17 walking trails covering 33km and 21 cycling routes covering 53km, graded from green to black. Hatta is about 90 minutes from Dubai, and RTA's Hatta Express bus (H02) runs there from Dubai Mall for AED 25. Here is how to plan an active weekend.

Getting there

Visit Hatta says the drive takes about 90 minutes, usually via the E102. The H02 bus takes about 1.5 hours from Dubai Mall to Hatta's main bus station and is paid with a Nol card; the H204 hop-on, hop-off bus then stops at the main attractions. Hatta Wadi Hub, off the Dubai-Hatta road, is the base for hiking, biking and kayak bookings. Visit Hatta says most activities run from 1 October to 5 May. Its FAQ gives the Wadi Hub's hours as 9am to 7pm in one answer and 8am to 7pm in another, so check before you travel.

Hiking

Dubai Municipality grades the walking trails by colour:

The network has 9 wooden bridges, 14 rest stops and service points, 176 signposts and 650 directional signs, with car parking, toilets, picnic areas and refuelling areas. The terrain is rocky and mountainous. Hiking equipment is not available to hire on site, according to Visit Hatta.

Visit Hatta's own safety guidance: tell someone where you plan to hike, carry a trail map, wear suitable clothing and safety gear, keep your phone fully charged, follow the official signage, and use the designated toilets and showers afterwards.

Mountain biking

Hatta Wadi Hub has 60 bikes for hire, with a workshop, a washing area and storage. Bikes and protective gear can be rented there. The regional site PitStop Arabia reported in December 2025 that trail entry is free with no booking needed, and listed hire at AED 65 an hour for a standard mountain bike, AED 150 for three hours on an e-bike and AED 45 an hour for a children's bike, with helmets and pads included. Visit Hatta does not publish prices, so confirm at the hub.

In town, RTA's 13.5km of bike and e-scooter tracks run from behind Hatta Community Centre past Leem Lake and Wadi Hatta Park towards Hatta Sports Club, with two rest areas (July 2024). For Dubai's other cycle routes, see Dubai's cycle tracks explained.

Kayaking at Hatta Dam

Hatta Kayak operates on Hatta Dam daily from 7am to 9pm, with bookings and meeting point at Hatta Wadi Hub. Visit Hatta lists:

• Single kayak: one adult aged 16 or over.
• Double kayak: two adults and one child aged 2 to 4.
• Maximum weight: 110kg per person.
• Water bike: single for one adult aged 16 or over, maximum 75kg; double for two adults.

Dogs can join a kayak if they wear a life vest, stay inside the kayak and remain under your control. Prices are not listed on Visit Hatta; Hatta Kayak's number is +971 56 616 2111.

Weather and safety

Visit Hatta says activities close temporarily in rain, though hiking, mountain biking and kayaking stay open at your own risk. Hatta has its own police station and ambulance service, about five minutes from Hatta Wadi Hub. Most activities are for ages 6 and over; some are 16 and over.

Before you go

• Download the trail map from Visit Hatta and match the colour grade to your ability.
• Bring your own hiking gear; it isn't available on site.
• Activities are booked on site at Hatta Wadi Hub.
• Check the season dates and hub hours before driving out.
• Visit Hatta enquiries: +971 4 820 5555 or +971 4 820 5500 (9am to 7pm daily).

For general information. Prices, hours and trail conditions can change; check with Visit Hatta before you go.