Hatta Dam

  • Hatta
  • Accessibility not confirmed

A turquoise reservoir in the Hajar Mountains at Hatta, about 90 minutes' drive from central Dubai. Entry is free; you can rent kayaks, canoes and pedal boats on the water, but swimming is not allowed.

Tickets and prices

Ticket types for Hatta Dam, what each includes and the price per person
Ticket typePrice and booking
Dam viewpointAccess to the dam area.

Free

Kayak, canoe or pedal-boat rental (Hatta Kayak)Rental of a boat on the dam; Visit Dubai gives a starting price only.

AED 60 per person

Prices include taxes. Children’s tickets are usually cheaper; the venue’s website shows the exact price before you pay.

Opening hours and best time to visit

Season
Kayaking runs all year; many other Hatta attractions close in summer.
Best time to visit
Autumn to spring, when January highs average around 22°C.
Busiest times
Winter weekends.

What to see

  • Turquoise water ringed by rocky Hajar peaks
  • Kayak, canoe and pedal-boat rental from AED 60
  • Large mural of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid above the water
  • Kayaking continues through the summer
  • Close to Hatta Wadi Hub and the heritage village

How to get there

Taxi
About 90 minutes by car from central Dubai; the E44 runs all the way to Hatta. The RTA Hatta Express bus (H02) runs from Dubai Mall to Hatta bus station in about 1.5 hours for AED 25 on a Nol card, and the H204 bus links Hatta's sights.
Parking
Car park above the dam, with a steep walk down to the water.

Open the location of Hatta Dam in OpenStreetMap (external site)

Tips for your visit

  • Entry is free; boat rental is paid.
  • Swimming is not allowed in the dam.
  • You must use Hatta Kayak's equipment; your own boats are not allowed.
  • There is a steep hill between the car park and the water.
  • Hatta is a few degrees cooler than the city; bring a layer for winter evenings.
  • Many other Hatta attractions close from mid or late May to September or October.

Accessibility

Accessibility not confirmed. Visit Dubai notes a steep hill between the car park and the water's edge.

Questions and answers

Can you swim in Hatta Dam?

No. You can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and water bikes instead.

How far is Hatta Dam from Dubai?

Hatta is about 130 km south-east of central Dubai, around 90 minutes by road.

Is there public transport to Hatta?

Yes. The RTA H02 Hatta Express bus runs from Dubai Mall to Hatta in about 1.5 hours, but reaching the dam itself is easier by car.

How much is kayaking at Hatta Dam?

Visit Dubai says Hatta Kayak rentals start at AED 60.

Where this information comes from

Official website: visithatta.com

  • Free entry to the dam area: visitdubai.com, checked
  • Boat rental starting price (Hatta Kayak): visitdubai.com, checked
  • Description, mural, kayak rental and rules, steep hill, best time, summer closures, driving via E44, FAQ on swimming, distance, public transport: visitdubai.com
  • H02 Hatta Express bus from Dubai Mall, AED 25 fare, H204 bus, 90-minute drive: visithatta.com
  • Hatta about 130 km from central Dubai: visitdubai.com
  • Coordinates: nominatim.openstreetmap.org

Photos:

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Checked by Editorial teamLast reviewed