Dubai cruise tourists will have easier access to the UAE’s mountain enclave of Hatta from January with the launch of a new direct, express bus service between the two cities.

Hatta has long been a popular mountain tourist destination for residents of Dubai, but its location in the Hajar mountains has also made it difficult to get to for cruise passengers on a two-day stopover in the city.

The new bus service departs every two hours from Dubai Mall and costs AED25 (US$7), and will also connect with a hop-on/hop-off bus service within Hatta itself.

Hatta Dam

“The first route (H02), Hatta Express, starts from the Dubai Mall Bus Station and heads to Hatta Bus Station at a frequency of two hours using deluxe coaches at a fare of Dhs25 per rider per journey,” said Adel Shakri, Director of Planning and Business Development, Public Transport Agency, RTA.

“The second route (H04), Hatta Hop on Hop off, is a tourist service operating within Hatta. This circular route starts and ends at Hatta Bus Station and passes by four tourist landmarks (Hatta Wadi Hub, Hatta Hill Park, Hatta Dam, and the Heritage Village). The service runs at a frequency of 30 minutes at a fare of Dhs2 per rider per bus stop.”

The new bus service is one of a range of extensive improvements in infrastructure and tourist facilities and servicesin Hatta.

A new Hatta mountain resort forms part of the masterplan.

The Hatta Master Development Plan, launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Presidentand Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, includes new souqs, extended cycle tracks, an artificial beach and new mountain resorts.

“Operating these two vital routes aims to support the public transport services between the city and Hatta and within the neighbourhood of this growing area, which is witnessing a significant growth in the number of domestic and overseas tourists and visitors, especially in these days when tourism is peaking in the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the launch of Hatta, the Highlands of Dubai with supports World’s Coolest Winter and Dubai Destinations initiatives,” said Shakri.

The project is being implemented alongside the “Hatta, The Highlands of Dubai” tourism campaign, which aims to highlight the attractions, activities and experiences that make Hatta one of Dubai’s most distinctive destinations.

The campaign will highlight the pleasant climate and breathtaking natural beauty of the picturesque mountain region, located away from the din of the city, 130 km southeast of Dubai.

The campaign also sheds light on the history of the region, which dates back 2000 – 3000 years. Called Al-Hajareen in ancient times, the region was an ancient crossing for caravans and famous for its historical, agricultural and commercial landmarks.