Dubai Roadtrip to Hatta Dam

Hatta Dam is an ideal destination for a last minute getaway from the City of Dubai. Just an hour and 45 minute drive, it makes for a great day trip or overnight stay. If you’re after a change of scenery from skyscrapers, this Dubai roadtrip to Hatta Dam is highly recommended for the views en route as well the beautiful and peaceful destination itself.

Views at Hatta dam — Taking in the views…

Getting from Dubai to Hatta Dam without stopping at border control

The drive from Dubai to Hatta Dam is fairly straightforward, although not as straightforward as it used to be. The quickest route via E44 is now not accessible to UAE residents, only for Gulf Nationals. There is now border control at this route as you pass through Oman territory.

Dubai roadtrip to hatta dam Sharjah-kalba road — Driving to Hatta Dam sharjah-kalba road

To avoid being stopped (and turned away) at the border, you need to take the Sharjah-Kalba road which is the E102 road. Driving on this road we didn’t encounter any problems. It was a pleasant drive taking us through the stunning desert sands, and then the winding pass through the mountains. This route takes around an hour and forty five minutes depending on exactly where in Dubai you are travelling from.

Road trip to Hatta through sand dunes — Passing the sand dunes en route to Hatta

When to visit Hatta Dam:

We visited on a weekday and this turned out to be perfect as I had seen photos of weekends where the dam was packed with visitors. There was one other car parked up and we were the only people on the water itself.

What activities are there to do at Hatta Dam?

You can kayak or take a pedal boat around the reservoir which I highly recommend. Top tip: Go during the week when its less likely to be busy.

You can also hire bikes and cycle around the cycle paths. As we came in late May it was a bit too hot for us to do that- but I would definitely like to return in Winter and do this.