Love Lake

Few people know about it, but those who do are in awe of yet another Dubai marvel. We're talking about Love Lake - a paradise oasis right in the middle of the desert.

The artificial lake is shaped like two intertwined hearts, and from a bird's-eye view the word "Love" can be read along its shoreline. The lake was unveiled to the public in 2018 by Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, while the original idea for a desert symbol of love came from his father, Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Ducks, geese and even flamingos live on the lake, which makes it come alive, especially in the evening as the desert cools down.

The lake sits in the Al Qudra desert, about an hour's drive from Dubai, and remains completely free and open 24/7 - no ticket or tour is required to visit. There are no shops or cafes on site, so bring your own water and snacks; dogs have not been allowed on the grounds since 2021. You can drive there yourself or join a guided tour - a convenient option rather than a requirement, useful if you're combining the visit with other spots in the Al Qudra desert.

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