About Hatta in Dubai, UAE

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Mukhallalati Basha
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Overview

With its prominent place in the Middle Eastern, Dubai is a global city and a major tourist destination on the Arabian Peninsula. Described by Frommer's as a "picturesque mountain enclave," Hatta is well-placed to serve as a day trip for visitors to Dubai, as well as to offer an escape from the city's urban hustle and bustle.


Getting There

Hatta is located in Dubai, one of the constituent parts of the UAE. Most journeys to Hatta start with Dubai International Airport, which receives direct flights from the United States and is one of the most important air hubs in the Middle East. Public buses and private bus tours connect Dubai to Hatta, with the trip requiring roughly 90 minutes. Another option is to rent a car and drive. Americans receive a 30-day tourist stamp automatically upon arrival in the UAE.

Village Features

Hatta is nestled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, and what Lonely Planet describes as "magnificent mountain scenery" is a big part of Hatta's allure. Hatta has also been labeled as a "heritage village," and as such it is authentically Arab. There is little in the actual village in the way tourist-oriented shops and restaurants, which in and of itself makes Hatta worth exploring for its atmosphere. The village also houses a 16th century fort.

Outside Hatta

Many tours to the village include off-roading in the desert and/or mountains in a 4-by-4 jeep or SUV. A prominent fixture on these tours are the Hatta Rock Pools. These are narrow, windy canyons of smooth rock containing pools of blue-green water, fed into the canyons by springs. On the road to Hatta is the Mezereh roadside market, with the sort of knickknacks like carpets and candle holders that make for souvenirs.

Climate

Compared to the larger region, Hatta has a mild climate. While Dubai is hot and humid and the desert is to be hot and dry, Hatta offers relief for most of the year in the form of mild and dry weather. Although Hatta is scorching in the summer months, with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s Fahrenheit or higher, even then humidity tends to remain moderate. For much of the year, daytime highs in the 70s are more normal.

Considerations

The road to Hatta passes through Oman, an entirely separate country. However, there are no border stations on the highway, and tourists who proceed directly to Hatta will have no problems with visas or customs during their brief stay in Oman. However, travelers who rent a car for the trip to Hatta should be aware that their auto insurance does not extend to Oman, and should therefore drive with particular caution there.
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