Dubai Desert (United Arab Emirates) and Hatta (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Dubai Desert | Hatta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Reserve | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 226 km² | 22 km² |
| Best time | December to February | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Dubai International Airport (DXB) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Dubai Desert | Hatta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Dubai Desert if
- you want game drives, dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and quad biking
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles and camels
Choose Hatta if
- you want hiking, canoeing and cultural visits
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Dubai Desert or Hatta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see.
When is the best time for each?
Dubai Desert: December to February. Hatta: December to February.
Sources: Dubai Municipality – Dubai protected areas · Protected Planet – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference) · Weather Spark – Dubai climate · Visit Dubai – Hatta Dam · Climate-Data.org – Hatta
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.