In pictures: An essential travel guide to Hatta
Similar to the famed 'Hollywood' written on Mount Lee in Los Angeles, Hatta has its on version on the rocks.
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Similar to the famed ‘Hollywood’ written on Mount Lee in Los Angeles, Hatta has its on version on the rocks. Located 115km east to Dubai, it is sited in-between two mountains. Dating back to few centuries, Hatta village represents an important period where Bedouins settled and began agriculture.
The old village of Hatta consists of around 25 houses, a mosque and a fort, built in 1896. The fort is dominating the village with its two watchtowers located on the strategic location that facilitates a view to the area around. The Juma mosque, built in 1780, is a reflection of traditional architecture, based on rectilinear simple plan and using local materials of mud and palm fronds.
Traditionally, Hatta was the summer habitation of Dubai-based families escaping the heat and humidity of the coast. With air-conditioning revolutionising lifestyles, Hatta became a tourist destination to revive old memories and also create new ones.
A relaxed drive is the best way to reach Hatta from Dubai — opt for the Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102) via Emirates Road (E611) — and you will reach the spot in a little less than two hours. Hatta Hill Park is one of the prime destinations for visitors today. Tourists are welcome to rest there for about a quarter an hour while water, Arabic coffee and dates are served.
Hatta dam gives an opportunity to take out kayaking skills with the calm serene water and mountains in the backdrop offering some of the most picturesque views in the UAE. If you are keen to explore the early lifestyle of those in the region, hop into Hatta Heritage village where visitors are introduced to the fortresses and how life used to be in this idyllic heritage site.
Visitors can also get to know about the residence of the Wali (the official in charge of the area). An ideal spot for refreshments is the Wadi Hub, where there is a food court, café shops, games area and a cyclists’ track. The water canals that irrigate date palms using the traditional falaj method can be seen at the Al Falaj Al Dawoody Al Sharia.
Another popular destination in Hatta is the Bees Park, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Guests are introduced to various kinds of bees and asked to wear a safety and protection vest. They get the chance to see how pure honey is produced and to taste it. The queen bee is sold to farmers and interested bee growers between Dh2,000 and Dh2,500.
Hatta visitors can also take off to Al Hail Walk between the farms, enjoy the cool breeze in the heart of trees including palm trees. mary@khaleejtimes.com