The long Eid Al Adha holiday break is here and many
people will be staying back in the UAE for various reasons to celebrate the
long holiday weekend.
Apart from going on Desert Safari Dubai or City Tour
Dubai, we bring you some places that you could hop into your car and go and
see.
Hatta
One of the most beautiful places in the United Arab
Emirates can be found inland at Hatta. History tells us that Hatta city evolved
from an ancient village that was nestled in the foothills of the Hajar Mountain
range that fall within the emirate of Dubai.
You can visit Hatta from the city of Dubai, which is
some 150 kilometres away. The excellent motorable route passes through majestic
sand dunes and arid Rocky Mountains with wadis on either side.
Bits and pieces of Omani territory will have to be
crossed on the way from Dubai so it is advisable to carry your identity papers
such as passports or National ID cards.
When in Hatta, you will see a charming settlement, now
having modern shopping. However, it does retain its charm some old villages and
farms in the mountains.
One of the most popular sights is the dam that is built
on one of the wadis. You have to climb or drive up a steep hill, but the effort
is rewarded with a beautiful sight of a green lake, which has hosted the shooting
of several film scenes.
Driving on there are the famous Hatta Pools, fed by
underground springs. Even during the harshest parts of the summer, these offer
a relaxing spot to cool you down.
Hatta also hosts an old fort with two majestic lookout
towers built atop adjacent mountains.
You can either drive down for a day tour of Hatta, or
camp there. For more comfort-minded persons, Hatta Fort Hotel offers 5-star
luxury just outside the city.