Adventures Beyond the City

Leaving city lights behind, Bayar Jain heads to Hatta, the rugged neighbourhood of Dubai, with Bollywood's actor of the moment and stereotype-breaker, SIDDHANT CHATURVEDI.

- Bayar Jain

THE LAST TIME I VISITED DUBAI WAS TO IL see the iconic Expo 2020 Dubai where the world displayed its technological prowess under one roof. I found myself under futuristic domes, in the company of robots and massive exhibits. A year later, I'm back in the emirate. This time, I find myself amidst mountains and oases, trailers and caravans, and an array of adventurous offerings. I land up in Hatta, a village located nearly 130 kilometres southeast of central Dubai, high in the Hajar Mountains.

The 90-minute-long drive from Dubai International Airport to Hatta serves as the apt initiation to this mystical land. The skyscrapers that are emblematic of metropolis disappear from sight and give way to a rocky terrain as we move closer to the destination. The whoosh of cars is replaced by the chirping of birds and crickets. When we arrive for our cover shoot, it is quiet, almost like the destination is lying in wait for team Travel + Leisure India & South Asia and actor Siddhant Chaturvedi. And just like that, under the blazing sun, we discover Hatta-an eco-tourism destination packed with fun and adventure.

The region's iconic symbol, the Hatta Sign, keeps watch as we navigate the terrain. Reminiscent of the 'Hollywood' signage in Los Angeles, this Middle-Eastern variation stands tall at 60 metres, jutting out of the ranges. We skip the 30-minute-long hike from Wadi Hub at Hatta Resorts to this Instagrammable photo-op spot. Instead, we venture ahead to another iconic landmark of the city: Hatta Dam.