Leem Lake is a three hectare man made lake in Hatta, Dubai’s mountain exclave in the Hajar Mountains, about 90 minutes (roughly 130 km) from Dubai city by car via Hatta Road (E44). Developed under the Supreme Committee Overseeing Hatta Development, it opened in December 2023 as the home of the first Hatta Festival. Today it is a free lakeside park with kayaking and paddle boarding, shaded picnic and barbecue areas, cycling paths and children’s play zones, and it is listed as open around the clock.
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It suits families, couples and groups who want a calm day out in the mountains without a long hike. Most visitors combine Leem Lake with Hatta Dam, Hatta Wadi Hub and Hatta Heritage Village in one easy trip, and stay a night at a nearby Hatta resort.
Table of Contents
Leem Lake at a glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Hatta, Dubai, close to the Oman border, near Hatta Wadi Hub |
| Distance from Dubai | About 130 km, around 90 minutes via Hatta Road (E44) |
| Size | A three hectare man made lake |
| Entry | Free |
| Opening hours | Listed as open 24 hours; timings may change |
| Kayaking and paddle boarding | Run by Hatta Flow at the lake, daily from about 9:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Facilities | Barbecue zones, shaded seating, cycling paths, play areas, parking |
| Camping | Not officially permitted at the lake; stay at a Hatta resort instead |
| Best time | October to April, early morning or sunset |
Where is Leem Lake and how to get there
Leem Lake sits in Hatta, a few minutes from the town’s residential areas and close to Hatta Wadi Hub. From Dubai, take Hatta Road (E44) east, continue into Hatta town and follow the local signs for Leem Lake. The drive takes about 90 minutes, and there is parking near the lake.
- By car: the easiest option, and it lets you add Hatta Dam and Hatta Hill Park on the same day.
- By bus: RTA runs a Dubai to Hatta bus, and the Hatta On and Off Bus links Leem Lake with the main attractions in Hatta.
- Private transfer or tour: White Sky can arrange a private car with driver from Dubai or Sharjah so nobody in your group has to drive the mountain road.
Things to do at Leem Lake
Kayaking and paddle boarding
Kayaks and paddle boards are available through Hatta Flow at the lake, usually from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. The water is calm and enclosed, which makes it a good first kayaking spot for beginners and children with an adult. Life jackets are provided with rentals. Rates and timings may change and T&C apply.
Barbecues and picnics
Designated barbecue zones and shaded seating make Leem Lake one of the most popular picnic spots in Hatta, especially on winter weekends. Bring your own food, charcoal and a picnic mat, follow the local rules on where grills are allowed, and take your rubbish home.
Cycling, walking and hiking
Cycling paths loop around the lake, and the surrounding hills have walking and hiking trails with views over the water. For mountain biking, the trail network at Hatta Wadi Hub is only minutes away.
Family time and sunset photos
Children’s play areas and open lawns keep younger kids busy, while the golden hour light on the lake and the Hajar Mountains is a favourite with photographers.
Hatta Festival at Leem Lake
Leem Lake was the main venue of the first Hatta Festival in December 2023, as Gulf News reported at the lake’s launch. The winter festival has returned in later seasons with music, light shows, food stalls and family activities, so check event dates if you plan a December visit.
Best time to visit Leem Lake
The best months are October to April, when days are warm and evenings are cool. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, and choose a weekday if you can, as weekends get busy. From May to September, midday heat is intense, so plan short visits around sunrise or sunset. It is worth checking the weather in Dubai before you go, as Hatta can see sudden rain and strong winds.
Places to visit near Leem Lake
- Hatta Dam: the famous turquoise reservoir for kayaking and pedal boats, a short drive away.
- Hatta Wadi Hub: zip lining, mountain biking, archery and other outdoor activities, plus cafés. Our guide to Wadi Hub at Hatta Resorts by Dubai Holding covers activities, hours and nearby stays.
- Hatta Heritage Village: a restored mountain village with traditional houses, towers and a small museum.
- Hatta Hill Park: hilltop viewpoints and walking paths over the town and dam.
- Hatta Honeybee Garden and Discovery Centre: learn about local beekeeping and taste mountain honey.
- Masfout: Ajman’s neighbouring mountain town is next to Hatta; see our Masfout Ajman guide and the nearby Al Khileban Dam for an easy add on.
- Al Wadi Park: a green park in Hatta town with walking trails, small waterfalls and family picnic areas, ideal for a relaxed stop after kayaking.
Hotels and resorts near Leem Lake
Camping is not officially permitted at the lake itself, so most visitors who want to stay overnight book a Hatta resort:
- JA Hatta Fort Hotel: a classic mountain hotel with chalet style rooms, pools and gardens, a few minutes from the lake. See our guide to JA Hatta Fort Hotel activities for things to do there.
- Hatta Resorts (Damani Lodges and Hatta Domes): lodges with mountain views and domes, some with private pools, usually open in the cooler months.
- Hatta Resorts caravans and vintage campers: a comfortable glamping style option for families and groups, also seasonal.
- Sedr Trailers Resort: modern trailers set in the Hatta mountains, good for small groups who like an outdoor feel.
White Sky can check availability and book any of these for you, and you can also browse our UAE staycation deals for weekend packages.
Tips for a smooth Leem Lake visit
- Carry plenty of water, sunscreen, hats and comfortable shoes.
- Bring cash and a card, as small vendors and activity desks may prefer one or the other.
- Download your map before you leave Dubai, as signal can drop on the mountain road.
- Swim only where it is allowed and keep children close to the water edge.
- Leave before dark if you are driving back the same day, as the mountain road is unlit in parts.
Related Articles
Planning more of the Hatta and Masfout mountain area? These guides will help:
- Hatta Heritage Village Dubai: Opening Hours, Things to Do and Where to Stay
- Hatta Hill Park Dubai: Timings, Things to Do and Where to Stay
- Masfout Ajman Guide: Things to Do, Hotels and How to Get There
- Al Khileban Dam in Masfout, Ajman: Hiking, Tips and Nearby Places
- Masfout Oasis Ajman: Falaj Walks, Date Farms and Nearby Places to Visit
- UAE Tourist Attractions Near Me
Frequently asked questions
Where is Leem Lake located?
Leem Lake is in Hatta, Dubai, off Hatta Road (E44) close to Hatta Wadi Hub and the Oman border. It is about 130 km from Dubai city, around 90 minutes by car.
Is there an entry fee for Leem Lake?
No. Entry to Leem Lake is free, and the lake is listed as open 24 hours. Kayak and paddle board rentals are charged separately, and timings or rates may change.
Can you kayak at Leem Lake?
Yes. Hatta Flow rents kayaks and paddle boards at the lake, usually daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with life jackets included. The calm, enclosed water suits beginners and families.
Can you camp at Leem Lake?
Camping is not officially permitted at the lake itself. For an overnight stay, book a nearby option such as JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta Resorts lodges, domes and caravans, or Sedr Trailers Resort.
Are barbecues allowed at Leem Lake?
Yes, in the designated barbecue zones, which have shaded seating nearby. Bring your own food and supplies, follow local rules on grills and take your rubbish home.
What is the best time to visit Leem Lake?
October to April is best, ideally early morning or around sunset. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and summer visits should avoid the midday heat.
How do I get to Leem Lake without a car?
Take the RTA bus from Dubai to Hatta, then use the Hatta On and Off Bus, which stops at Leem Lake and other attractions. White Sky can also arrange a private transfer from Dubai or Sharjah.
What is there to do near Leem Lake?
Nearby you can kayak at Hatta Dam, try zip lining and mountain biking at Hatta Wadi Hub, explore Hatta Heritage Village and Hatta Hill Park, or visit Masfout in Ajman.
How can I book a Hatta trip with Leem Lake?
Message White Sky Travel on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to book Hatta hotels, transfers and activities, with installments available through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit cards.
Conclusion
Leem Lake has quickly become one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Dubai: free entry, calm water for kayaking, shaded barbecue spots and mountain views, all a short drive from Hatta Dam, Hatta Wadi Hub and Hatta Heritage Village. Go in the cooler months, arrive early, and stay a night at a Hatta resort to make the most of it.
White Sky Travel and Tourism, a Dubai based agency, can plan your full Hatta trip, including resort stays, private transfers and activity bookings. Spread the cost with flexible payment options through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and we will help you lock in your dates. T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking.
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