Hatta lies in the Hajar Mountains near the border with Oman, about 130 km from Dubai. The still water behind the dam is ideal for kayaks and pedal boats, and the mountains around it change colour through the day.

From the Hatta Wadi Hub, walking and mountain-bike trails suit a family, and the Hatta Heritage Village keeps old houses and watchtowers from mountain life. A day quite unlike Dubai, back by evening.