Hatta is located nearly 130 km from central Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. It is located high in the Hajar Mountains. Formerly an Omani territory, its ownership was transferred to Dubai in or around 1850. Hatta’s craggy mountain cliffs, scattered springs and lush valleys offer a stark contrast to the glassy facades of the city. Hike up the Hajar mountains and you will get to see breathtaking views of the historical village. The area was once called Al Hajerin, or Al Hajeran, in reference to the two mountain peaks guarding its north and south borders.
Old village of Hatta
The old village of Hatta includes two prominent military towers from the 1880s, a fort from 1896 and the Juma mosque, which was built in 1780 and is the oldest building in Hatta. The traditional water supply was through the falaj system, which also has been restored.
Hatta Heritage Village
The restored, centuries-old Hatta Heritage Village features a defensive tower, stone houses with palm-frond roofs, and falaj, the traditional water system. Other exhibits include traditional weapons, furniture and crockery. At the nearby Hatta Dam, the Hatta Reservoir Visitor Point overlooks the pools of striking green water.
Since Hatta is located in the mountains, it was the summer habitation of Dubai-based families escaping the heat and humidity of the coast and trying new outdoor activities.
The Hatta Dam
The Hatta Dam was constructed in the late 1990s. Hatta Dam is now one of the main attractions in the area, with the bright, turquoise water set against the earthy rock for a picturesque vista. Visitors can drive along the dam and stop at viewpoints for photographs, or trek across it and down the hilly terrain or kayak across the quiet lake formed by the dam.
Hatta Fort
Hatta Fort
Hatta Fort, built in 1896, is one of the most significant architectural monuments in the UAE. The structure served as a residence and defence facility with a large internal courtyard and an 11m-high watchtower. The building was restored in 1995. The two round watchtowers overlooking the mountain village were built in the 1880s. They are located 2.5m above ground level with a small door and semi-circular staircase leading to the roof. Guards would use ropes to scale the towers and enter through the doors.
Hatta Hill Park
Hatta Hill Park was built in 2004. The nearly 64sqkm area is popular for picnics and barbecues, as well as a tower, which makes for an excellent vantage point.
Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village
Hatta Heritage Village in the central town is a restored museum. It comprises 30 buildings, including huts and houses, reconstructed as they were hundreds of years ago. The Village also houses relics and documents of past life, where you’ll learn about Dubai’s Arabian heritage from food to folklore. There are two watchtowers and a fort, as well as a mosque from olden times. The museum also hosts several events during UAE holidays such as National Day (2 December).
Hatta Wadi Hub
Hatta Wadi Hub is the town’s home of action and adventure, open in winter. Here you can try your hand at archery and axe throwing. You can go twin ziplining with a friend. You can opt to paraglide with the Bird Eye Parachuting Club that will take you soaring into the air 500 feet off the ground. The 52 km of mountain biking trails provide cross-country bike paths of varying difficulty levels, encouraging novices and professionals to enjoy the picturesque alleys.
If you want to stay overnight, book at the Hatta Damani Lodges or Hatta Sedr Trailers, both providing chic accommodation nestled in the mountains. Hatta Dome Park will give you the ultimate glamping experience. Hatta Caravan Park is the first luxury caravan park in the region.
The JA Hatta Fort Hotel is great if you’re looking for a resort-style stay. The hotel has its own restaurants, spa, mini golf and petting zoo, while every room and suite comes with mountainside views.
Larger groups visiting Hatta can choose from one of several farm house rentals, including The Reef and Happiness Farm, each complete with facilities such as BBQ areas and a pool for the kids to splash around in.
Traditional Dubai cuisine along with dishes originating from Iran, Lebanon, and Arabia are found in Dubai. Western food as well as popular fast food are found here. From vegetarians to non-vegetarians, Dubai offers food to suit every person’s taste.
Here are some of the popular dishes in Dubai.
Manousheh
Manousheh is a kind of local pizza, a staple Lebanese breakfast. It is made by filling stretched dough or flatbread with toppings like salty Akkawi cheese, zaatar herbs, acrid labneh and sweet stick, eggs, minced sheep and olive oil. It is popular with both tourists and locals.
Manousheh
Iranian Sangak
Typical Barbari or Persian bread, Iranian Sangak is very popular in Dubai. Nan-e sangak is a whole wheat leavened flatbread, either triangular or rectangular, which is topped with poppy and sesame seeds. The name sangak refers to the old method of baking the bread in a dome-shaped oven with a surface full of pebbles and stones. In Iran, the bread is often consumed with lamb kebabs, and it is a typical accompaniment to kale pache, a dish made with sheep’s head and feet.
It is usually eaten with some strained yogurt or Greek yogurt and some cheese or labneh. Simply delicious.
Iranian Sangak
Chelow kabab
Chelow kabab is of Iranian origin, consisting of steamed rice and one of the many varieties of Iranian kebabs. Chelow kebab is served with accompaniments such as butter, sumac powder, basil, onions, and grilled tomatoes. Kebabs are made of cut up or ground meat sometimes with vegetables, and various other accompaniments. Kebabs are typically cooked on a skewer over a fire, some kebab dishes are baked in a pan in an oven or prepared as a stew such as tas kebab. The traditional meat for kebabs is most often mutton or lamb, but regional recipes may include other meats.
Chelow kabab
Al Harees
Al Harees is one of the most traditional foods in Dubai. This popular local dish is a combination of wheat, meat and just a pinch of salt, prepared to a porridge-like consistency. It is generally served Ramadan, Eid, wedding and special occasions.
Al Harees
Al Machboos
Al Machboos consists of some chicken, basmati rice, spices, and some sauce.It is a cross between biryani and risotto, where the rice is cooked in the spiced broth of the meat or chicken, melding the spices and ingredients. This dish is popular not only in Dubai but also in the Middle East and in some African countries.
Al Machboos
Mandi
Mandi is quite similar to other rice-based Asian dishes such as Biryani and Pilaf. It is basically a layered dish of meat and rice. The meat is cooked in the tandoor covered with clay and buried inside the ground. It tastes like biryani. It is one of the main dishes prepared during festivals like Ramadan and Eid.
Mandi
Kabsa
Kabsa is considered the national dish of the Emirates. It is a fragrant mixture of basmati rice, lamb or chicken, mixed vegetables, cardamom, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg and bay leaves cooked in one pot and often served in a huge mound at the centre of the table. Kabsa has has the same rice-meat combination as Mandi but is differently flavoured due to different spices.
Kabsa
Oozie
Oozie is one of the best-known dishes from the Gulf region. It is made with rice and sometimes stuffed into delicate pastry pockets. It is usually served with chicken. Sometimes, it’s also served with salad and yoghurt, or garnished with a mixture of fried or roasted nuts. You will usually see this in weddings and Ramadan.
Oozie
Margoogat
This chicken or lamb stew is tomato based and is cooked with turmeric, cumin and bezar (a local garam masala-like spice mixture). Baby marrow and potato are also added to this stew. Different variations can be found across the city. This dish is often prepared and enjoyed at Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan.
Margoogat
Khubz
Khubz means bread in Standard Arabic. Khubz tannur is made in a tandoor oven. It is either leavened or unleavened flatbread made with all-purpose flour. This bread has pocket like pita. You can fill the pocket with whatever you wish or even make a sandwich. Khubz can be enjoyed as a delicious wrapper or dipper for other foods.
Khubz
Chebab
These delicious Emirati-style pancakes are normally served at breakfast time. Saffron and cardamom are two key ingredients of this pancake. The pancake is topped with sour cheese, cream cheese, butter and sweet date syrup. The sweet and sour elements of the ingredients combine well and give it a unique flavour. This bread is also called jabab.
Chebab
Shawarma
Shawarma is made from slow-roasted and spiced chicken or lamb and served in the form of a Middle Eastern sandwich. Shawarma is served in an Arabic roti, along with vegetables, fries, tomatoes, pickles, and garlic sauce.
Shawarma
Esh Hasarya
Esh Hasarya or Asaraya is a rich and sweet cake served as dessert. It is in a class by itself and is described as “the bread of the harem”. Its texture resembles cheesecake, and it has a cream frosting. it’s one of the most popular desserts in all of Dubai.
Esh asaraya is made with sweet pieces of bread that is then topped with cream, and pistachio nuts which adds a nice crunch to the cake.
Esh Hasarya
Luqaimat
Luqaimat is the most famous dessert in the UAE. It is served at weddings and tea parties, and it is eaten for breakfast along with tea. It is also one of the special dishes offered to guests (Fuwala). It is a a popular Emirati dessert, especially during Ramadan. These doughnut balls are drizzled with honey and topped with sesame seeds.
Luqaimat
Balaleet
Balaleet is a traditional dish consisting of vermicelli sweetened with sugar, cardamom, rose water, and saffron, served with an omelet on top. It is sometimes served with sautéed onions or potatoes. It is usually a breakfast dish, but it is also served as a dessert during Ramadan, or as a light dinner.
Balaleet
Manakish
It’s a flat bread filled with cheese and baked in an oven on a pizza stone. It can also be served with cheese on top and thyme, or thyme and olive oil, meat and hot sauce. It’s a delightful breakfast dish and goes well with cardamom infused tea(karak).
Manakish
Thereed
Thereed / Tharid is a very slowly cooked stew consisting of chicken, beef, lamb, or goat, and roasted vegetables and potatoes. Some kinds of beans are also added to the stew to enhance the taste like chickpea, small peas, green peas, kidney beans etc.
It is served on top of an Emirati salted bread called Rigag.
Thereed
Saloona
Saloona is a classic Arabian stew prepared with chicken, turmeric, olive oil, ginger, garlic, onion, chili, and many other spices. It is served with rice on the side. Other types of meat such as beef or lamb, and fish can also be used as the main ingredient. It is a Friday lunch favourite.
Saloona
Samboosa
This is a famous Indian snack. It consists of layers of thin pastry filled with different type of meat, vegetables, and exotic spices. A very popular street food. Sambusa is filled with a meat and onion mixture while the Indian version samosa is usually vegetarian consisting of potatoes and peas.
Samboosa
Falafel
Falafel is a popular Middle Eastern “fast food” made of a mixture of chickpeas (or fava beans), fresh herbs, and spices that are formed into small patties or balls. It is commonly served in a pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flatbread known as taboon. The falafel balls are usually topped with salads, pickled vegetables, hot sauce, and drizzled with tahini-based sauces. Falafel balls may also be eaten alone as a snack or served in a tray as part of an assortment of appetizers.
Ski Dubai, the indoor ski centre is located inside the Mall of the Emirates. It has a floor area of 4,500 sq m. The ski centre provides all necessary equipment and clothing to guests, so you don’t need to worry about bringing all of your winter gear to Dubai. There are five ski runs, the longest being over 1,300ft with some 6000 tons of ice. There is also a zone for freestyle snowboarding and an area for snowball fights and tobogganing. There is a cafe at the ski centre where you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Penguins Show
There are four shows of Penguin March every day at 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm. It is good to watch at least one show. You can get up close and personal with these incredible creatures to discover more about how the species survive in some of the coldest conditions on Earth.
Ski school
Ski School
There is a Ski School at the centre. The lessons are available for all skill levels (beginners, intermediate and advanced). The objective of the school is to get you to master the slopes quickly.
The ski centre offers several packages to suit your requirements. The slope packages will enable you to enjoy the slopes. To enjoy the slope package you should select one of the Ski Dubai Experience Packages that offer Slope access and you must have the minimum skills of intermediate level 2 to access our slopes.
School package
Snow Park Packages
Snow Park Packages allow engaging in snow sports. With the Penguin package, you can enjoy the penguins in the park. School packages provide for school excursions. The corporate package allows businesses to hold corporate events in the park. The attractions available are the giant zorbing ball, ice cave, Mountain Thriller ride and more. When you hit the slopes you will discover why this snow-filler attraction is one of Dubai’s must-visit destinations.
Corporate package
Ski Dubai is open every day. From Sunday to Wednesday, it is opened from 10 am to 11 pm. On Thursday, it is open from 10 am to midnight. Friday and Saturday, the hours are 9 am to 11 pm. You would spend 2 to 3 hours in Ski Dubai.
Jumeirah Beach is a white sand beach that is located and named after the Jumeirah district of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Jumeirah Beach Attractions The beach features large hotels, resorts, restaurants, shopping zones and housing developments. Also found in this location are the Burj Al Arab hotel, Wild Wadi Water Park, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, and the old-style Madinat Jumeirah (a hotel and shopping complex) and the Jumeirah Beach Park. This park is a great tourist attraction where visitors relax, swim, or play sports like Volleyball etc.
In the beach you will find a number of exhibition halls and museums like Majlis Ghorfat Umm-Al Sheif, Etihad Museum, and Visitor center Jumeirah Archaeological Site where you can experience the old age charm as well as shop a wide range of trinkets, decorative items, furniture, tea sets, shishas and pashmina shawls.
Jumeirah is considered to be the party hub for Dubai. When the sun sets the beach transforms itself into a glittering world of pubs, clubs, and lively bars.
Scuba diving at Jumeirah Beach
Activities at Jumeirah Beach
Jet Skiing Tour operators provide one hour of jet skiing guided by professional coaches. While skiing you will also see the iconic views of the Al Arab and other beautiful skyline landmarks.2.Parasailing and Boat Tour The program is usually for 15 minutes. You will get aerial views of Dubai Marina and Palm Island.
Sun Lounge If you want to relax on the beach, you arrive at the beach early in the morning because that is when the sun is at its best.
Food and beverage When you walk along the beach you will come across some great cuisines from around the world. Usually the places are crowded. You can enjoy local delights along with many stalls dedicated to French and Chinese cuisines.
Jumeirah Beach
Several bars across the shore which enable bar hopping with night vibes and music.
Places to Eat at Jumeirah beach Dubai
La Parrilla is an Argentinian restaurant which offers fiery meat and seafood items.
At Latitude you can enjoy a live cooking station that offers platters of aromatic fresh fish, pasta dishes, and meats. On Tuesday Nights you get authentic Arabian food and on Saturday nights you get authentic American cuisine.
Shopping places near Jumeirah beach Dubai
Mercato Shopping Mall has 130 retail outlets offering a wide range of products. You can also relish some classic pizzas at the eateries at the mall.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a traditional market-style complex combining Arabian shopping stands, barrows and stalls with a blend of boutique brands, souvenir gift shops and luxury fashion and jewellery outlets.
The Mall Jumeirah offers home items as well as fashion goods. Top brands at this place and grab a delectable meal at the food court. Here you will also be able to enjoy some beauty treatments at notable N-Bar or Zuri Beauty Lounge.
Palm Strip Mall is a Californian inspired open air mall that is located opposite the Jumeirah Mosque. This is one of the busiest shopping places and home to Pro Art gallery, restaurants, and confectionery stores.
Masdar is a planned city project in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. Literally it means ‘Source City’. Its core is being built by Masdar, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, a state-owned construction company, with the majority of seed capital provided by the Government of Abu Dhabi.
Masdar City is a hub for innovation, research and development, advancing real-world solutions in energy and water efficiency, mobility, and artificial intelligence. Its first tenant was the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, which has been operating in the city since it moved into its campus in September 2010. Masdar City is a highly planned, specialised, research and technology-intensive municipality.
Masdar City a ghost town or a green lab?
Cars are not allowed inside the city. You have to park the car in the car park provided. In the city you can take autonomous pods and self drive buses for movement within the city.
Masdar City is a living, working community where residents, academics and business professionals live, learn, work and play in an environment that pushes the boundaries of sustainable design, construction, and operation. The city contains one of the largest clusters of low-carbon buildings in the world.
Masdar City Free Zone is a powerful business enabler and incubator. More than 800 companies from six continents operate from Masdar City ranging from multinationals such as Siemens, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, to regional corporations, SMEs and startups.
Masdar City
Masdar Park features a children’s playground, music wall, and art installations themed on sustainability.
The companies in the city will concentrate on energy saving and energy substituting projects as well as reuse of water.
Due to the impact of the global financial crisis, the initial 1,000,000 square metres of buildings which was estimated for completion in 2015, was pushed back to between 2020 and 2025 and final completion was estimated to be 2030.
In this high-end Tuscan-style mall with architecture inspired by the medieval hill town, San Gimignano, luxury fashion labels are showcased. This Outlet Village in Dubai is a discount shopping mall.
Buying high-end branded products on discounts may seem alien to most, but only until they visit Outlet Village. The Dubai Outlet Village sale, goes on year-round, regardless of the holiday season. And these discounts are big, sometimes even bigger than you can possibly imagine. Think of Armani going up to 70% off and Giuseppe Zanotti selling products at 50% and 70% discounts!
Outlet Village in Dubai is fashioned after the other outlet villages across the world, with charming cobbled streets, plenty of eateries and other attractions.
Outlet Village
Brands offered in Dubai Outlet Village
Retail brands include Adidas, Calvin Klein, Armani, DKNY, Roberto Cavalli, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, Fred Perry, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Carolina Herrera, Ted Baker and Tommy Hilfiger. There are more than 100 stores in total. If you’re on a budget and looking for some bargains, this is the place to find those deals. Along with fashion, The Outlet Village shops are well stocked with kids’ wear, footwear and sportswear. Fill your wardrobe with high quality clothes, while being kind to your credit card.
The Outlet Village in Dubai offers the Meraas Gift Card. The gift card can be used at any Meraas destination within Dubai, including Outlet Village, such as The Beach, BoxPark, La Mer, Al Seef, Bluewaters and City Walk. The gift card is available in multiple denominations depending on how much you want to spend. Besides using the Outlet Village gift card for yourself, it also makes for a perfect gift for your loved ones. The gift card can be easily activated online at the official Outlet Village website. The Meraas Gift Card is valid for 12 months.
Outlet Mall
Dubai Outlet Village Transport facilities
Outlet Village Dubai operates a complimentary shuttle bus service on 7 different routes that cover areas like Palm Jumeirah, Bur Dubai, JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), Al Barsha, Dubai Marina and more.
Retail stores in Dubai Outlet Village
With more than 240 stores, Outlet Mall is another popular discount outlet in Dubai. There are factory outlets of several popular high-end brands at Outlet Mall. These top stores have a variety of popular products from international brands at highly discounted prices. There are over 1,200 brands on display at Outlet Mall.
Dining in Dubai Outlet Village
You can find a varieties of local and international cuisine here. Cafe Nero offers fine Italian coffee. Operation: Falafel provides pitas packed with crunchy falafels drizzled with tahini sauce and punchy salad. Urban Seafood encompasses modern, innovative and affordable seafood dishes that serve the best the ocean has to offer. This eatery’s signature dishes are lobster rolls and fish and chips.
Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet offers a range of flavours from all over the world. The brand opened one of its eleven kitchens in The Outlet Village, Le Café’, offering select signature dishes from Le Gourmet international kitchens as well as a selection of items from its specialty grocery counter.
Salties Restaurant specialises in Italian dishes, pizza and pasta. Godiva offers world famous Belgian confectioneries. Starbucks sells top-quality Arabica coffee, You can personalise your drink with various blends, extra shots, your choice of milk, and flavoured syrups.
Riverland Dubai is a shopping mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the gateway to Dubai Parks & Resorts. A themed, fun, dining and retail destination which you can access without purchasing a ticket.
There are four different zones that give a fascinating glimpse into some of the greatest eras of the past – The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate, and The Peninsula. These four vibrant districts form the dining, retail and entertainment destination and are free for all to visit, making it a must do in Dubai.
The Peninsula
This is the heart of Riverland Dubai. Surrounded by the river, you will be able to enjoy various festivals and concerts at the large outdoor venue. The 19th century architectural theme adds to the character of this piazza that connects the various districts of Riverland™ Dubai via impressive bridges. Head down to any of the licensed restaurants or bars here to round off your day.
India Gate
Enjoy a royal Asian welcome with musicians and acrobats at India Gate, where our impressive artistic sculpture will mesmerize you as you embark on a journey through India. Don’t know where to eat in Dubai? Tantalize your taste buds with a great mix of casual dining venues as well as street-style quick service eateries in the large urban piazza.
India Gate
Boardwalk
For parents looking for things to do in Dubai with kids, why not relive the thrill of early America in the 1950´s and walk through an urban street bustling with excitement and entertainment – from jugglers to live entertainment. Enjoy the lofty structures, palm trees, and glamorous neon signage all around you.
The French Village
The French Village
Stop by the medieval French town and soak in the historic architecture of Europe in the late 1600’s at The French Village. Towers and the water wheel will draw you in, while street performances, outdoor dining, and meandering alleyways takes you to a different world.
Riverland Dubai: Dining Options
There are several coffee shops and Mediterranean inspired restaurants providing a variety of food to suit your taste and budget. Some of them are:
The popular restaurants in Riverland’s Peninsula
ECCO Pizza and Pasta: It is famous for authentic Italian pasta cooked with natural ingredients and genuine recipes. The Irish Village: The second outlet of the famed Irish pub in Dubai, Irish Village is the only licensed restaurant in Riverland. Big Chef’s Café & Brasserie: It is a casual dining spot with international cuisine and friendly staff.
India Gate has a variety of restaurants featuring Middle Eastern and Asian delicacies.
Costa Coffee: An International handcrafted coffee house that also serves delicious salads, wraps, sandwiches and sweet treats. Al Mashowa: A traditional Emirati seafood restaurant with recipes that come from the past. Barbecue Delights: A casual dining restaurant that offers Pakistani, Afghani and North Indian cuisines. Bol Gappa: An Indian fusion restaurant that offers lip-smacking street food in a Bollywood-themed ambience. Haru Robatayaki: An authentic Japanese restaurant that specialises in the art of sushi, Teppanyaki, Robata and Sashimi. Wok Chi: A Chinese street food joint where you can customise your wok-tossed noodles. Shrimpy: A popular fast-food restaurant serving deep-friend golden shrimps cooked to perfection.
The Boardwalk also features some delicious dining options.
TGI Fridays: World famous American food and beverage outlet to savour burgers and drinks in a lively ambience. The Coffee Club: An international coffee house where you can have a delicious brunch and a perfect blend of coffee. Super Chix: Looking for a traditional fast food joint? Here they serve super chicken, hand-cut fries and delicious frozen custards. Tortilla: America’s favourite snacks, tacos and burritos are served here with a range of fresh fillings and toppings. Ella’s Creamery: Inspired by America’s 1950s & 1960’s ice cream parlours, Ella’s Creamery will recreate your joyful childhood memories with frozen treats. Fans of Archie comics will get a distinct Pop Tates vibe from this charming creamery. Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory: A perfect place to feast on chocolate treats, caramel apples, sundaes, coffee and lots and lots of candy! Galito’s: Offers the most delicious chicken from an African kitchen that is loved across the globe. Famous Dave’s: Barbecue lovers cannot resist the live-wood stoked BBQ with a custom blend of spices. 800 Degrees: Baked in an almond wood oven, 800 Degrees serves authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria cooked with ripest and freshest ingredients. Pascal Tepper: A French bakery with oven-fresh bread and high quality of hot and cold treats. Giraffe: A perfect fast-food option with an array of dishes including steaks, grills, burgers and healthy smoothies, salads and mocktails. The Bagel Bar: A coffee house to enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, bagels and sandwiches in a relaxed atmosphere. McDonald’s: World’s leading fast-food retailer, where you can grab a quick bite of yummy burgers, fries and other fast food. Olive Garden: Inspired by culinary traditions of Tuscany, this restaurant serves a blend of American-Italian cuisine with traditional Italian hospitality. Starbucks: World’s leading coffee house to celebrate the rich tradition of coffee in an exceptional environment.
