Dubai: heritage, nature and outdoor travel

Summary: Beyond its skyline, Dubai holds a restored historic quarter around Al Fahidi Fort, an unfenced desert conservation reserve and the mountain exclave of Hatta in the Hajar range.

Theme: Old trading quarter, desert reserve and mountain village · Best season: Cooler months from late autumn to spring suit desert and mountain visits; Hatta is a little cooler than the coast.

Guides for Dubai

Heritage · UAE

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Fort, Dubai: A Guide

Al Fahidi Fort, dated to about 1787, and the neighbourhood around it: wind towers, coral stone and small museums in old Dubai.

Read the guide Hiking · UAE

Hatta Heritage Village and the Hajar Mountains: Visitor Guide

Hatta is a Dubai exclave in the Hajar Mountains with a restored heritage village, a dam and outdoor trails. History and planning...

Read the guide Camping · UAE

Al Marmoom Reserve and Al Qudra Lakes: A Responsible Visit

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and Al Qudra Lakes in Dubai: wildlife, rules and how to visit without harming the habitat.

Read the guide Hiking · UAE

Hatta Hiking Trails for Beginners: How to Choose a Route

Hatta has 32.6 km of graded hiking trails. How the colour-coded system works, how to pick a beginner route and what to confirm...

Read the guide Hiking · UAE

What to Pack for a Hatta Mountain Hike

A practical packing list for a Hatta mountain hike: water, footwear, sun protection, navigation and first aid, based on official...

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