Hatta Kayak is a kayaking paradise in the desert | United Arab Emirates

Sport Travel Tom's guide to kayaking in the Arabian Desert at Hatta Kayak, including the best tips and and Hatta's history... it hasn't always been in the UAE. Read more below:
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VIDEO INFO:
Welcome to Hatta Kayak in the United Arab Emirates. Now, you may well be thinking to yourself, ‘how do you kayak in Hatta? A mountain town which sits in the middle of the world’s fifth largest desert. Asia's biggest desert. I can't imagine there are huge bodies of water to go kayaking in? Unless you’re kayaking on sand, I’m confused.’
I understand your confusion; the words 'desert' and 'kayaking' don’t often appear in the same sentence. But that all changes when you visit Hatta Kayak in the UAE, a town that sits on the border with Oman.
Hatta Kayak is a hugely popular tourist destination for UAE residents and tourists alike but if you get there early then you’ll often have the lake to yourself.
Hatta Kayak is all possible thanks to the Hatta Dam, which was built in the mid-nineties to generate power for the local Hatta area and the subsequent reservoir now provides a great escape from rolling sand dunes and rocky terrain.
Hatta is about 130km away from the city of Dubai and is a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life found in the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The town sits in a tiny exclave in the emirate of Dubai that is bordered with Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman and Oman to the south.
Hatta actually used to be in neighbouring Oman, but the sultan of Oman at the time, Turki bin Said transferred the territory to Dubai around 1850 when the Omanis realised they could not protect it from Buraimi tribes who had settled near by.
Since it’s been within UAE territory, it has become a popular destination for Dubai residents during the summer months for its slightly cooler temperatures as it sits around 1000m above sea level.
Once a sleepy mountain town, with only one hotel - the Jebel Fort Hotel, it is now an adventure playground with endless activities to enjoy amongst stunning natural scenery, history and discoveries. UAE residents and tourists now flock to Hatta to enjoy a thrill-seeking adventure.
Not only is Hatta Kayak a must-do, but mountain biking, as I tried out recently - check the link at the top of this description - but also hiking and even zorbing are all available to do at Wadi Hub.
To kayak in Hatta, it’s very simple. You’ll park underneath the Hatta Dam in a car park that is large and has toilet facilities - don’t worry, there is no chance of an overflow and the car park being washed away.
You’ll then walk up a long roadside staircase to reach the water level and on your right you’ll find the Hatta Kayak kiosk. You can pay by cash or card.
You can rent kayak’s for just AED 60 and your time of the kayak will be unlimited.
Once you have paid for you kayak, or the other water activates available you’ll walk down the ramp towards the pontoon. Here you’ll be given lifejackets and there are some lockers to take advantage of too.
The lake is around 30m deep at its deepest and 1.5km long. The Hatta Dam will be on the left as you set off but there are loads of areas to venture off to and the surrounding mountains cascade down to the water’s edge meaning you can get right up close to the base of the mountains.
For the best weather, go in the cooler winter months. You are not allowed to get out of the kayak to swim in the reservoir so in the summer, it could prove to be a little frustrating.
How to get to Hatta Kayak:
Take the E44 out of Dubai towards Hatta.
Turn onto the E611 heading towards Sharjah.
Turn onto the E102 heading towards Kalba/Eastern Region
Turn right towards Hatta at the junction after the Swawka junction. This road is currently being constructed so doesn’t have a name yet (but it is open) and expect some delays if you get stuck behind a slow truck.
At the roundabout turn back onto the E44 and follow signs towards Hatta.
At the main Hatta roundabout take the first exit.
At the roundabout take the first exit.
Turn left at the next roundabout next to the Emirates NBD branch.
After the Hatta Grand Mosque turn right.
At the top of the road turn left.

[@sportstraveltom]

Hi guys, thanks for watching.
If you liked this video you can also watch 5 must-do amazing adventures at Hatta Wadi Hub here: @
And explore Hatta whilst mountain biking by watching this video - @

[@bensadventures7203]

Hi it is me Benjamin and amazing job 👍👍👍

[@sportstraveltom]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@bensadventures7203]

You’re welcome 😊

[@michaeltownsend8068]

Looks incredible! Will have to try that one day.

[@sportstraveltom]

You must Mike! Perhaps Hatta for your honeymoon??

[@michaeltownsend8068]

@@sportstraveltom either Hatta or Skegness... has The Sports Explorer got any tips for Skegness?

[@FelixBrain]

You mentioned about Hatta Kayak in your Khorfakkan vlog so here I am watching it😁 thanks for touring us. Im actually confused between both and yes the dam scares me as well🥴. I think id rather choose Hatta next weekend.

[@sportstraveltom]

Thanks for watching Felix! Hope you enjoy kayaking Hatta... it's a great spot!

[@bensadventures7203]

Ddddooooooooo mmmmmmmmoooooorrrrrrreeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sportstraveltom]

I've done more Ben! Let me know which ones you like the best!