Suhaila Lake Rest Area is a calm outdoor spot in Hatta, Dubai, where man-made lakes sit against the rugged Hajar Mountains. It is popular for laid-back picnics, shaded barbecues, and simple, self-sufficient camping. The atmosphere feels spacious, especially on weekdays, and it suits families who want an easy nature break without complicated planning.
Suhaila Lake Rest Area is a calm outdoor spot in Hatta, Dubai, where man-made lakes sit against the rugged Hajar Mountains. It is popular for laid-back picnics, shaded barbecues, and simple, self-sufficient camping. The atmosphere feels spacious, especially on weekdays, and it suits families who want an easy nature break without complicated planning.
- Where is the Suhaila Lake Rest Area in the UAE
- Facilities at Suhaila Lake Rest Area
- Camping at Suhaila Lake Rest Area
- What to bring for a comfortable visit
- Activities to do around the lakes
- Suhaila Dam and nearby scenery
- Family-friendly features
- Nearby cafés and quick bites in Hatta
- Best time to visit
- Practical tips for first-time visitors
- FAQs
Where is the Suhaila Lake Rest Area in the UAE
Suhaila Lake Rest Area is in Hatta, Sufayri, Dubai, close to the mountainous border region and surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
Suhaila Lake Rest Area
- Access: Open all day, year-round
- Contact: +971 800 900 | +971 4 2246666
How to get to Suhaila Lake Rest Area
Most visitors drive from Dubai via the Hatta Road corridor, with the journey typically taking around an hour depending on where you start.
The drive itself is part of the appeal, as the scenery shifts from city outskirts to mountains and valleys.
Facilities at Suhaila Lake Rest Area
Suhaila Lake Rest Area is not a commercial campsite, so the facilities are practical rather than “resort-style.” The main draw is the natural setting, supported by a few essentials that make an extended visit more comfortable.
You can usually expect shaded picnic tables, covered barbecue spots, and built seating that works well for family gatherings.
Many visitors choose this location specifically because the shaded structures reduce the hassle of setting up a full picnic station from scratch.
Public toilets are typically located near the entrance area, which is particularly important if you plan to stay several hours or visit with younger children. The open layout also makes it easier to keep an eye on children while still enjoying the lakeside view.
Camping at Suhaila Lake Rest Area
Camping at Suhaila Lake Rest Area is popular because it is simple, flexible, and feels close to nature. You are not booking a plot or arriving at a staffed reception, so the experience suits people who are comfortable being self-sufficient.
Most campers set up near the lakes, enjoying the contrast between still water and mountain backdrops. The area is often described as having two main lake zones, with some visitors staying near the first lake for convenience and driving farther for a quieter spot.
What to bring for a comfortable visit
A smoother trip usually comes down to preparation. Even for a day visit, arriving with basic supplies helps you relax once you reach the lakes, rather than improvising on-site.
Consider bringing:
- Drinking water
- Food and snacks
- A small first-aid kit
- Rubbish bags
- Barbecue supplies
- Warm layers
- Lighting, such as a lantern or head torch
- Camping essentials for overnight visits
Activities to do around the lakes
Activities at Suhaila Lake Rest Area are simple, relaxed, and closely tied to the natural setting. Most visitors come to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and spend unstructured time outdoors, rather than follow a packed schedule.
Popular things to do include:
- Picnicking and barbecuing, using the shaded seating areas and open spaces near the lakes.
- Stargazing, especially after sunset, when the mountain surroundings reduce light disturbance.
- Kite flying is common in open areas when the breeze picks up.
- Photography, particularly during golden hour, when the mountains and water reflect softer light.
- Light walking, with informal paths that suit casual exploration rather than long or technical hikes.
Some visitors also plan their day around nearby outdoor routes, including mountain biking trails in and around Hatta.
Suhaila Dam and nearby scenery
Suhaila Dam is often mentioned as a nearby scenic stop that complements the lakes. It adds variety to the visit, especially if you want a second viewpoint or a quiet place for photos.
A short stop can be enough to take in the scenery, then return to the lakeside areas for food and relaxation. As with most mountain water features, a calm pace is best, especially with children, and it helps to avoid walking too close to the edges.
If you are building a broader Hatta itinerary, you can also explore nearby mountain attractions, such as Hatta Hill Park, which offers facilities and viewpoints suitable for families.
Family-friendly features
Suhaila Lake Rest Area tends to work well for families because the experience is low-pressure. Children can run in open spaces, and adults can stay settled in shaded seating rather than constantly moving between activities.
Families also like the simplicity of a barbecue-focused day, where the main “programme” is eating outdoors, enjoying the view, and letting children burn energy naturally. If horse rides are available during your visit, they can add a small highlight for younger children.
Nearby cafés and quick bites in Hatta
Suhaila Lake Rest Area does not have on-site cafés or restaurants, so many visitors bring their own food or plan quick bites before or after their visit. A short drive into Hatta village and its surroundings opens up several local and straightforward options that are popular with both day-trippers and families.
1. Rashfa Shai Cafeteria
A casual stop for tea, coffee, and light snacks, often used by visitors before or after spending time outdoors in Hatta. It suits short breaks rather than long sit-down meals.
Location
Hatta, Dubai
Contact
2. Afghan Bukhari
Known for generous rice dishes and grilled meats, Afghan Bukhari is a popular choice for a filling meal after picnicking or hiking. It is often visited by families and groups returning from outdoor areas.
Location
Hatta Roadm Hatta, Dubai
Contact
3. Al Hajarain Restaurant
Located within Hatta Heritage Village, Al Hajarain Restaurant serves a mix of local and international dishes in a calm mountain setting. It is often chosen by visitors looking to combine cultural sightseeing with a relaxed meal.
Location
Hatta Heritage Village, Hatta, Dubai
Contact
4. Tanoor Restaurant
Tanoor Restaurant focuses on traditional Arabic and Emirati cuisine and is particularly known for its slow-cooked tanoor lamb and chicken. It suits visitors seeking a more conventional dining experience after outdoor activities.
Location
Hatta Road, Hatta, Dubai
Contact
5. Hatta Wild Café
Hatta Wild Café is a casual café option for light bites and drinks, often used as a quick stop before or after exploring nearby attractions. It suits visitors looking for something informal rather than a full sit-down meal.
Location
Hatta, Sufayri, Dubai
Contact
Best time to visit
The cooler months generally suit Hatta best, particularly if you want to stay into the evening or camp overnight. Late autumn through early spring tends to feel more comfortable for long picnics, casual walking, and sitting outdoors without heat fatigue.
Summer visits can still work, but they are better as early-morning trips or late-afternoon stops. If you are visiting in warmer weather, increasing the water supply and choosing shaded areas becomes more important.
Practical tips for first-time visitors
A first visit usually goes best when you treat the rest area as a scenic, self-managed outdoor stop. Keep your plan simple, arrive prepared, and focus on comfort so the experience stays relaxing rather than logistical.
- Arrive earlier on weekends if you want the best shaded barbecue seating.
- Pack extra drinking water, even for short visits.
- Bring lighting if you plan to stay past sunset.
- Keep a warm layer in the car, as evenings can feel cooler.
- Take rubbish bags and leave the spot tidy for the next visitors.
- If you are camping, choose a safe, level pitch and keep walkways clear.
Key Takeaways
Suhaila Lake Rest Area in Hatta offers a simple and accessible mountain escape within Dubai, combining man-made lakes, open landscapes, and basic facilities suited to picnics, barbecues, and self-sufficient camping.
Open year-round and free to access, it appeals to families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a relaxed day trip or overnight stay without formal bookings. Shaded seating, barbecue spots, and nearby scenic features, such as Suhaila Dam, support a calm, nature-led experience, while careful preparation ensures comfort, particularly on cooler evenings and busier weekends.
FAQs
Camping is typically treated as a free, public outdoor experience, but it is self-sufficient. You are expected to bring your own tent, supplies, and rubbish bags, and leave the area clean.
The rest area is generally described as open around the clock, which makes it convenient for sunrise visits, sunset picnics, and overnight stays.
Families usually visit because the area offers shaded seating, open spaces for play, and basic conveniences that support longer stays.
Many visitors go specifically for barbecues, using the dedicated shaded spots and built seating that suit group meals.
The most popular activities are picnicking, barbecuing, light walking, photography, kite flying, and quiet camping under the mountain sky.
