Dubai Hatta Dam Camping Permit 2026: How to Get

Do you need a permit to camp at Hatta Dam in 2026?

Yes. Any overnight stay at the Hatta Dam recreation area requires an official camping permit issued by Dubai Municipality. The permit covers one vehicle and up to six people for a single night and must be shown to rangers on arrival.

Where to apply in 2026

Applications are accepted only through the Dubai Municipality online portal or the DubaiNow mobile app. Walk-in requests at Hatta Dam ranger stations or municipal offices are no longer processed. Log in with your Emirates ID or passport, select “Hatta Dam Camping Permit,” choose your date, and pay the fee. Approval is instant for most applicants and the digital permit is emailed immediately.

Cost and validity

The 2026 fee remains AED 100 per night per vehicle. The permit is valid only for the selected calendar date and cannot be transferred or extended. If you arrive after 8 pm the permit is still valid until 10 am the next morning.

Campfire and generator rules

• Campfires are permitted only inside the designated fire pits provided at each campsite. Bringing your own fire bowl or digging new pits is not allowed.
• Wood and charcoal must be purchased from the on-site Hatta shop; collection of dead wood from the surrounding area is prohibited to protect the local ecosystem.
• Portable generators under 2 kVA are allowed between 8 am and 10 pm only. Units above 2 kVA or any generator running after 10 pm will result in a fine of AED 500 and immediate removal.
• Quiet hours run from 10 pm to 7 am; music and loud voices are not permitted during this period.

Additional on-site requirements

Each campsite has one allocated parking bay. Vehicles must remain on the marked gravel. No tents may be pitched on the dam embankment or within 50 metres of the water’s edge. Rubbish must be taken with you; bins are provided only at the entrance. Rangers conduct random checks between 6 pm and 9 pm.

Best time to book

Weekends and public holidays fill up quickly. Apply at least three days ahead during winter (November to March). Summer permits are easier to obtain but daytime temperatures often exceed 42 °C, so plan accordingly.

Emergency contacts

Keep the Hatta Dam ranger hotline (04 814 8000) saved in your phone. In case of medical emergency, call 999 and inform them you are at Hatta Dam campsite so they can coordinate with the nearest ambulance point.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything, visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →

Want more UAE tips?

Ask Tovi anything about Dubai or UAE life — your AI guide answers in your language, 24/7. Ask Tovi free →