Al Qudra Lakes

Al Qudra Lakes are a chain of man-made lakes in the Saih Al Salam desert, 45–50 minutes' drive from central Dubai. They are part of the Al Marmoom reserve, launched in 2018: it covers about 10% of the emirate and is the largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE. Entry is free, around the clock.

What to see

The birds are the main draw. Around 170 species have been recorded around the lakes, including swans, geese, ducks and flamingos, as well as the rare steppe eagle and Asian houbara, and the reserve has the largest concentration of flamingos in the UAE. At dawn you may see desert foxes and Arabian oryx near the water — Al Marmoom has one of Dubai's largest oryx populations.

Nearby is Love Lake, two connected heart-shaped lakes with a jogging path, parking and barbecue spots. The Al Qudra Cycle Track runs alongside the lakes: 86 km in total with a 50 km main loop, shaded rest stops and bike rental. The Iron Age archaeological site of Saruq Al Hadid is also inside the reserve.

Getting there

Driving is easiest: from Downtown take the E66 (Dubai–Al Ain road), exit 29 onto the E77, exit 27 onto Al Qudra Road (D63) and follow it to the lakes — about 50 km and 45–50 minutes. A 4x4 isn't needed: the roads are paved and the sand near the lakes is compact. A taxi can take you, but finding one back is hard; buses 67 and 68 stop half an hour's walk away, so they are impractical.

Planning your visit

The best season is October to March. Dawn brings the most birds and the fewest people, while evenings draw visitors for sunset with the Dubai skyline on the horizon. Allow at least an hour, or half a day with a picnic and sunset. Winter evenings are cool, so bring warm layers.

Before you go

There are no shops at the lakes: bring water, food, sunscreen and rubbish bags. Toilets, bike rental, a petrol station and food trucks are at the cycle-track car parks along Al Qudra Road, not by the water. Swimming is not allowed; barbecues only in marked spots, on charcoal in a stand rather than on the sand — fires on sand carry fines from AED 500. Don't feed or chase the birds, don't litter, and don't drive off the roads into the reserve. Camping at the water's edge has been officially banned since 2017, and we found no later permission, so check the rules before you go.