Hatta Wadi Hub reopens after six-month closure

Hatta Wadi Hub has reopened. The adventure destination in the inland exclave of Dubai is welcoming visitors again after being closed for more than six months.

Season three at the popular mountain retreat is now under way. Open daily from 7am, the adventure hub is set to open some new high-octane activities later this month.

From October 15, dual-ziplining, rockclimbing and a slingshot ride will open at the wadi.

The new 350-metre zip-line has dual lanes so that visitors can race each other as they whizz across the wadi. Attached to the back of the zip-line tower is a 10-metre high climbing wall. The wall offers five different lanes of varying difficulty so that everyone can have a try.

The Slingshot is one for adrenaline seekers. Those trying it out can expect to be propelled in a harness up to 50 metres in the air at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour.

Paraglide over the Hajar Mountains

From November 1, visitors will also be able to try paragliding at the hub. Priced at Dh650 per 15-minute journey, flights will take visitors high above the wadis and Hajar mountains for a birds-eye-view of Hatta.

Already operational are some of the most popular activities from last year including archery, axe-throwing, mountain carting and zorbing. The Drop-In slide, which opened just before the hub's closure in March, will resume operations mid-October. With slides of varying heights, it's a good way to cool off as with all slides leading to a giant plunge pool.

Typically open from October to April, Hatta Wadi Hub closed early this year due to the pandemic. The team have used the time to set up new activities and renovate the Hatta Heritage Village.

One of the oldest Emirati villages in Dubai, the cultural village has been rebuilt and enhanced to offer a visitors an authentic taste of local tradition. Inside, there is a majlis where visitors can learn more about the history of the area. There's also a heritage store, arts and crafts stalls and Al Hajarain restaurant which serves traditional Emirati food.

Also operational againa are the colour coded mountain biking and hiking trails at Hatta. Free top use, there's more than 50 kilometres of cross-country cycle routes and 32 kilometres of ability-graded hiking trails.

Upgraded safety and precautionary measures have been introduced on all of Hatta Wadi Hub's activities to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This includes social distancing signage throughout the resort and further safety training for staff members

Overnight stays at Hatta

Hatta's resorts have also reopened for overnight stays, all with socially distanced protocols in place.

Anyone looking to make a night of it can book a stay in the Hatta Sedr Trailers high in the mountains, or go for cliffside views in a Hatta Damani Lodge.

This season, there's also the option of camping under the stars. Visitors can pitch their own tent or park a caravan in dedicated camping spots inside the Hatta Wadi Hub. There is access to bathrooms and showers, a BBQ area and free Wi-Fi. Camping rates start from Dh129 and caravan parking starts from Dh299.