Hatta, Mountain exclave in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hatta is a mountain settlement in Dubai's eastern territory, located roughly 134 kilometers from the city center and positioned within the Hajar Mountains at about 330 meters elevation. The area contains residential zones, a dam with water recreation facilities, and a restored heritage village featuring traditional buildings and historic structures.
Originally called Hajarain, the territory was under Omani control until it came under Dubai's rule around 1850 during Hasher Bin Maktoum's reign. This shift occurred as regional powers in the Gulf were defining new boundaries and spheres of influence.
The heritage village displays traditional mountain dwellings and defensive structures that reflect how people lived in these highlands. Visitors can see how buildings were designed to blend with the landscape and serve practical needs of mountain communities.
The settlement offers mountain biking trails and kayaking at its dam, with various lodging options available from hotels to trailer accommodations. Weather and road conditions in the mountains can change, so visitors should plan accordingly and bring appropriate clothing.
The eastern area contains burial chambers from the Hafit period dating to 3200-2500 BC, representing one of the earliest known cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. These tombs reveal how ancient mountain communities were organized and where they chose to settle.
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