Hatta MTB Trails
Hatta MTB Trails is Dubai's own highly popular destination for hikers and bikers. Hatta Trail Centre is a first MTB Centre in the Middle East, and is a wonderful destination covering multiple cross-country routes of various grades that serve all individuals, from absolute beginners through to experienced riders.
Hatta MTB Trails is a bike-trail network but also a wonderful destination for hiking enthusiasts and extreme beginners. The advantage is that you are not going to get lost here in these trails: they are officially marked with directional billboards, waypoint maps and GPX files by Dubai government itself. So what is stopping you from hiking?
The great news is that Hatta MTB Trails are free to ride and open year round. Ample parking and visitor facilities are provided by Hatta Municipality. Trail conditions, seasonal operations and access can change, so always confirm the latest information before setting out.
Open Hatta Wadi Hub in Google Maps
Getting there and parking
From Dubai, take the E611, then the E102 signposted for Kalba, past Showka and through the mountains following signs for Hatta. The roads leading up to Hatta MTB Trails parking are smooth gravel/dirt roads. A regular saloon car can access both Hatta MTB Trails parking and camping areas, subject to current road conditions.
Hatta MTB Trails Centre is a free public facility. There is no charge for parking either. However, be aware that the car park is unmanned: take appropriate safety and security steps, secure valuables and do not leave anything visible in your vehicle.
General facilities and bike rentals
General facilities include parking, camping, bathrooms/showers, picnic area, heritage sites, wadi pools, viewpoints and playgrounds. The project may still have construction or development activity in some areas, so follow temporary signs and staff instructions.
There is some bike hire available from Adventure HQ on Friday and Saturday mornings at the visitor centre. It is also possible to rent mountain bikes at some Dubai bike shops and at Showka Cycles on the E102 en route to Hatta. Check current rental availability before travelling.
An Emirates Coop Supermarket is located at the main Hatta roundabout, where you can buy water, food and camping supplies. Many small cafeterias serve traditional Arabic food in Hatta village—why not give them a try and experience an authentic local welcome?
On most Hatta MTB Trails the mobile signal is strong, although it can be lost in some lower areas. Reception may return on higher ground. In a medical emergency there is a small clinic nearby as well, but you may need to call an ambulance using 998.
You can use the Hatta MTB Trails campsite, with large flat areas close to the toilet and shower block and on the other side of the wadi. If you would prefer something more luxurious, have a look at the JA Hatta Fort Hotel.
Group rides
There are no official group rides at the Hatta MTB Trails Centre. However, the following groups hold regular group rides, all of which are free to join. Please check beforehand if they are suitable for your level of skill and fitness:
Code of conduct at Hatta MTB Trails
Since this is a popular destination with plenty of visitors across the seasons, a general code of conduct needs to be followed for everyone’s safety.
Before you set off
- Inform a friend or family where you are going and what your plan is.
- Carry a soft copy or printout of the trail map.
- Carry the right equipment for trekking and biking.
- Have your mobile phone fully charged and keep a spare battery for phones and GPS devices.
- Don't rely on others. Be self-sufficient.
- Study and match the colour-coded system of Hatta Trails to your riding ability; do not overestimate.
- Carry enough drinking water: minimum 2 litres for 5 km distance.
On the trails
- Always wear the right safety gear, including cycle helmet and gloves.
- All trails are designed as a one-way system; follow direction arrows to ensure safety.
- Always follow official signage and directions, and look for warning signs.
- Only tackle trail features within your abilities.
- Expect the unexpected and watch out for other riders.
- Be polite and courteous to other riders; allow others to pass.
- Faster riders should inform the rider ahead of their intention to overtake.
- Train before embarking on difficult and technical routes.
- Hikers should step away from the trails to give way to bikers.
After your ride
- Keep the parking area clean and use designated toilet and shower facilities discreetly and respectfully.
- Throw trash in designated areas.
- Enjoy the rest of your day with the local cafés and shops available in Hatta town centre.
Routes of Hatta MTB Trails
The trails are divided into different grades to accommodate every rider level and experience:
- GREEN: for beginners.
- BLUE: for intermediate riders.
- RED: for experienced riders.
- BLACK: for very skilled and experienced riders.
This is the code sign for bikers, but it can be considered the same for hikers as well. All routes and junctions are marked with directional arrows. Additionally, trails are marked with painted stones that correspond to the route grade. See the full trail-centre map at the start of all trails.
Checklists and current official resources
Here is our comprehensive list of items that you may want to refer to: https://dubaihiking.org/hiking-check-list. Probably you will not need to carry all of it, but a few items are very important.
The older Hatta MTB website referenced in earlier versions of this guide is unavailable. Use these current resources for updated maps, operating details and trail advice:
