Dubai Hiking Guide: Best Trails & Tours 2025

Dubai Hiking Guide: Best Trails & Tours 2025

By Richard Hoskisson – January 2025

You might not associate Dubai with hiking, but trust me—it’s a real thing! In fact, there are some incredible trails and opportunities for outdoor adventures in and around the Emirate that make a visit to Dubai truly worth it.

Having lived in Dubai for over 2 decades, I’ve witnessed the growing popularity of outdoor sports, including hiking, across the UAE. It’s a fantastic way to experience the region beyond the luxurious hotels and enormous malls that Dubai is famous for.

With new trails constantly being marked out, hiking has become a top activity for visitors and residents alike, offering a fresh perspective on the UAE’s natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

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Dubai Hiking Trails

Located within 90 minutes of Downtown Dubai, the hiking trails below are amongst the best that you can easily experience in half a day.

I have chosen them based on the ease of being able to follow the trail and for the wonderful experience they give for seeing the landscapes of the UAE that few tourists see.

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Hatta Letters Sign

Set in the Hajar Mountains these large letters were a recent addition to the landscape and tower above the oasis retreat of Hatta. They are an impressive landmark and a hike up here is rewarding for the view over the valley.

New highways have been built in the last few years making Hatta easily accessible from Dubai. I first visited Hatta in 2001 when there was little here and it has now been developed into a wonderful retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are huge development plans for luxury hotels and cable cars in the Hajar mountains, I would recommend visiting Hatta before it is changed forever.

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Hike Stats

• Distance – 4.8 km (out and back) or 7km (full circuit)
• Elevation – 650metres
• Duration – 2 – 2.5 hours
• Difficulty Rating – Moderate – it can be quite steep in parts and rough underfoot.
• Best Time – Mid October – Mid May – do not attempt this hike during the summer months, it will be far too hot.
• Starting Points – Begin this hike from The Wadi Hub at Hatta. There is plenty of parking and maps are available. All trails are well-marked.

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Out and Back Route Option

Follow the Green Route out of the Wadi Hub. This then turns into the Blue Route up and down the same way to the letters.

I have mapped this route out below – 🟦 Blue Pins are the route out and 🟪Purple ones the route back.

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Circuitous Route Option

The Full Route starts on the Green Route from the Wadi Hub. Continue with the Red Route along the valley and up to the sign. The Blue Route behind the letters will lead you back to the Wadi Hub and completes the circuit. Follow the sign posts and refer to the maps along the route.

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Why You Will Enjoy This Hike

The hike is not too demanding and the routes from the Wadi Hub are relatively easy to follow. (The hardest part is finding your way across the Wadi Hub).

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The Wadi Hub

There are a variety of other activities for families at the Wadi Hub as well as numerous types of accommodation from camping domes to luxury caravans and cabins.

It is also a great place to stop for a coffee and pick up some souvenirs of your visit to Hatta on the way home.

⚠️ The hardest part of the hike to navigate is leaving the Wadi Hub, signage to the trails is poor. As a general rule, head in a south-westerly direction beyond the climbing adventure park and you will be able to easily pick up the trails.

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Al Shawka Dam

Actually located in the Emirate of Ras al Khamiah, this is a moderately demanding circuitous hike. I have completed this hike on multiple occasions, even in June, however it was really very hot at that time of year.

As with all trails that I recommend, I really do advise starting very early in the morning. I usually begin this hike before sunrise, which does mean an early start from Dubai – it takes around 1 hour to reach here from Downtown Dubai.

If you prefer a shorter version, simply climb the stairs to the mountain peak, then descend once more. However the scenery improves as you take the longer path beyond the mountain peak.

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Hike Stats

• Distance – 6.3 km circuitous
• Elevation – 379 metres
• Duration – 3-4 hours
• Difficulty Rating – Moderate- it can be quite steep in parts and rough underfoot.
• Best Time – Mid October – Mid May – do not attempt this hike during the summer months, it will be far too hot.
• Starting Point – Al Shawka Dam

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Circuitous Route Guidance

Park at the Shawka dam- click here for the location. You will see the initial mountain peak with the flag at the top from the road. Walk up towards the dam and then begin the ascent via the staircase. This can be quite a challenging climb, but there are multiple rest spots along the way.

From the flag, follow the flat path across the summit and head down towards the small plateau on the far side of this small hill. You will find regular shade spots along the way. From here you have two options to take the path to the right and loop back towards the starting point, or take on the next peak, which is not that difficult to climb.

If you take the second peak, the path is straight forwards to follow and loops around after the second peak. You can actually pick out the path as you hike. Follow the loop back down towards the valley and eventually following slightly right you will discover the path that will bring you back to the dam where you started.

I have mapped the route for you – simply select the start point by the dam and then navigate through ‘Way Points’ 1 to 16.

⚠️ Set your map to satellite view as the route is much easier to make out on the map.

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Why You Will Enjoy This Hike

I really think that this is one of the best hikes in the UAE, as it is so easily accessible from Dubai and offers stunning views of the Hajar Mountains. The trail is mildly demanding yet easy to follow.

⚠️ If searching in maps for the location, you may encounter many different spellings – Showka/Shawkha/Shawka – all are correct.

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Recommended Gear for Hiking in Dubai

💧 Plenty of water – do not underestimate how much water you need. Minimum 1.5 liter bottle per person.

🧴 Sun screen – remember to stop to apply often

🧢 Baseball cap

🕶️ Sunglasses – the reflection from the sun on the rock can become very bright.

🥾 Hiking boots or a sturdy trail shoe/trainer

🍫 Energy bar for a boost when needed

📱 Cell phone for emergency use if needed. (Click here for emergency numbers in the UAE).

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Where to Stay

Both these hikes are easily accessible from Dubai and I have outlined many places to stay in Dubai here. However if you were looking for somewhere to stay outside of Dubai you will not be disappointed with a stay in Hatta.

I first stayed in Hatta in 2003 and needless to say it has seriously developed since then, with even more plans for a complete mountain resort in the pipeline.

There are now many options available for accommodation that is truly unique.

Hatta Fort Hotel This is still a great choice for a hotel stay in Hatta – the rooms have been recently refreshed and the two pools are lovely.

Hatta Resorts offer some superbly unique accommodation within close proximity to the Wadi Hub. I stayed in one of their Airstream caravans a few years ago and it was just superb.

Stay in a vintage VW combo, a mountain lodge or a dome tent with your own private pool. There really is the chance to experience ‘glamping’ the only way Dubai knows how – in pure luxury!

Quiet House Villa is a great property if exploring in a larger group. Expect luxury 5 star style in an individual modern villa.

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FAQs

Is there hiking in Dubai?

Yes, Dubai offers fantastic hiking opportunities just a short drive from the city. From the scenic Hatta region to the rugged Al Shawka Dam trails, there are options for all levels of hikers. It is easy to make hiking in Dubai a good half day itinerary for your visit.

What do you wear to hike in Dubai?

Lightweight clothes are best for Dubai’s warm climate. Don’t forget sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Always carry plenty of water!

What is the famous mountain in Dubai?

While Dubai doesn’t have its own mountains, Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain, is just a couple of hours away in Ras Al Khaimah. Closer options include the mountains around Hatta (which is part of the Emirate of Dubai) and Al Shawka.

Is it safe to hike in Dubai?

Taking sensible safety precautions is always necessary when going hiking in order to stay safe, Always follow guided trails, tell someone where you will be, and when you intend to return, carry plenty of water and a mobile phone with emergency numbers listed.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Dubai?

Mid October to mid May. I always recommend starting on the trails at sunrise.

Are the hiking trails near Dubai suitable for beginners?

Whilst many of the trails are easy to follow, a certain degree of fitness is required as there can be some steep paths and rocks to scramble over.

Can I combine hiking with other activities in Hatta or Al Shawka?

In Hatta yes there are plenty of other activities to do such as kayaking on the dams and off road biking. Check out the Wadi Hub for plenty of ideas.

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The Wrap Up

Hiking in Dubai offers a side of the city that many tourists never see. It’s a chance to escape the busy streets and experience the natural beauty of the UAE. Whether you’re trekking to the Hatta letters or exploring Al Shawka Dam, these hikes promise memorable views and a refreshing break from the usual attractions.

Ready to lace up your hiking boots? Book a guided hiking tour for added convenience and expert insights. If you’re planning to stay overnight, check out these hand-picked accommodations in Hatta for the perfect base.

Don’t miss the chance to make your Dubai trip unforgettable by exploring its rugged outdoors. Click the link below to start planning your Dubai hiking adventure today!