All about Al Qudra Lake – a beautiful, desert oasis
Whether it’s a long weekend or just a routine getaway from the city, Al Qudra Lake — also called Al Qudra Lakes — has become a favourite recreational spot for the residents of Dubai. This desert oasis offers a convenient escape from the city along with a variety of fun activities to ensure that you get the time to unwind and enjoy yourself. If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, Al Qudra Lake is a destination you shouldn’t miss out on.
ABOUT AL QUDRA LAKE DUBAI
Al Qudra Lake is a man-made desert oasis in the expansive Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve built to promote eco-tourism in Dubai. It features multiple artificial lakes, surrounded by sand dunes and fauna. The attraction gained popularity in 2015 for its authentic desert vibe and seclusion.
Initially, just a camping spot, this part of Al Qudra Desert has expanded to include a range of activities that offer visitors the chance to explore the wilderness and all that it offers. Al Qudra Lake also remains popular among campers and ranks among the best BBQ places in Dubai. We wouldn’t be surprised if you want to pack up your barbeque gear and head out to this man-made desert oasis for the upcoming weekend. There is plenty that awaits you!
AL QUDRA LAKE DUBAI LOCATION
The lake is located right on along Al Qudra Road (D63), less than an hour’s drive away from Dubai.
- Al Qudra Road can be easily accessed via Dubai Al Ain Road (E66) or Emirates Road (E611), depending on which way you are coming from.
- It’s location is quite easy to find using the plus code: R9R2+2M Al Lisaili, Dubai – United Arab Emirates. Each of the Al Qudra attractions is clearly marked on Google Maps, which makes it easy to find.
- Do keep in mind, that there will be a bit of off-roading involved so it’s better to take a 4-wheel drive just to be on the safe side.
Dubai is set to open a new road that will boost access to Al Qudra Lake as well as other man-made leisure spots like Swan Lake, Love Lake and Flamingo Lake. Developing under the Saih Al-Dahal Road Improvement Project, the road will serve the area with a dual carriageway stretching across 11 kilometres. There will be two lanes, a central reservation and three roundabouts to ensure easy mobility. The project aims to increase the road capacity from the existing 1,800 to 4,000 vehicles to cater to the growing traffic. This will further ease movement to and from Al Qudra Lake Dubai.
THINGS TO DO AT AL QUDRA LAKE
If you have a day or the weekend to spare, here are some of the activities at Al Qudra that you can enjoy while the weather is still pleasant.
PITCH UP A TENT AND CAMP THE NIGHT AWAY
First things first, Al Qudra Lake is one of the best camping spots in the UAE. The artificial lakes, surrounded by the sand dunes offer a beautiful setting for barbeque, stargazing and overnight camping. The place is usually crowded on the weekends, but you can always find a peaceful spot to set up your tent in the Al Qudra Lakes East camping ground or near Love Lake.
Al Qudra camping is a free outdoor activity in Dubai. However, you need to make sure you’re prepared for it. Carry your camping gear with you like tents, sleeping bags and torches. You can find all the gear you need at one of the camping equipment shops in Dubai. It is imperative that you follow the rules and clean up after yourselves – ALWAYS!
- Al Qudra Camping Location: Around 30 minutes from Dubai
- Al Qudra Camping Timings: Open 24 hours
SHARE SOME LOVE AT AL QUDRA LOVE LAKE DUBAI
Visiting the Love Lake and exploring its beauty as well as remarkable layout is a must-do activity on our list of things to do at Al Qudra. This spot consists of two lakes carved out in the shape of two intertwined hearts and fauna that spell out the word “Love.” This set of Al Qudra Lakes is so large that you can see it from Google Earth! It was even voted as one of the top romantic places in Dubai!
The Love Lake in Al Qudra is filled with heart motifs and signage that identifies the best selfie points — ideal if you are on the lookout for an Insta-worthy shot.
There is also a dedicated running track around Al Qudra Love Lake. This heart-shaped lake in Dubai comes with shaded areas, fire pits and washroom facilities. And if that isn’t enough, visiting this place is completely free of charge making it one of the best spots for an affordable date night.
- Love Lake Dubai Location: Approximately 10 minutes away from the Al Qudra Lake and can be located on maps by searching “Love Lake Dubai”
- Love Lake Dubai Timings: 24-hours
ADMIRE THE WILDLIFE
There are over 170 native bird species and animals in Al Qudra Desert. Although this is a man-made attraction, the Al Qudra lakes act as a natural habitat for wildlife.
If you are an avid bird-watcher, Al Qudra is a great place to spot black swans, ducks, flamingos and if you’re lucky, the endangered Steppe Eagle or Asian Houbara. The animals, although a bit more are more elusive, do tend to make an appearance occasionally. You can sometimes spot some free-roaming gazelles, foxes and rabbits around the Al Qudra area. Just keep in mind, feeding the animals is prohibited and can call for a fine, so avoid doing so.
CATCH THE SUNSET OVER THE MAN-MADE DESERT OASIS
Since this area is located away from the high-rise building and busy roads, you catch the uninterrupted and spectacular views of the gradient orange sky, as the sun sets over the dunes.
If you’re a photographer you get a chance to capture some amazing shots. As for all of you who just love admiring the beauty of nature, make sure to gather some picnic chairs, music, and snacks to enjoy the relaxing views that Al Qudra Lake has to offer. Al Qudra Lake at night is gorgeous. Once its dark, the sky above sparkles which makes it a fantastic spot for stargazing.
GET ACTIVE WITH A BIT OF CYCLING
Thanks to the huge 86km path present at the location, cycling is one of the most popular activities at Al Qudra.
Al Qudra Cycling track here is known to be one of the best cycling trails in Dubai and is the perfect place to head to if you are looking for a way to get fit in an outdoor setting.
Over here, you’ll be able to find a mix of both amateur and professional cyclists riding through the sand dunes in the desert.
There are two starting points from where you can start your ride — the first is from the Al Qudra Cycling Car Park located near the villas in Mira Oasis and the other is the Teck Bicycle Store at Seih Al Salam. Both these spots have dedicated parking spaces for cars.
Those looking for Al Qudra Lake bike rentals or cycle workshops should head to the Teck Bicycle Store. They have a variety of rental bikes and cycling equipment, along with restrooms and shower facilities.
The rent of a bicycle depends upon the duration and type of the model. All you need is an Emirates ID or passport to rent a bicycle from the store.
- Track Timings: Open 24 hours and free for all
- Teck Bicycle Store Al Qudra Store Timing: 05:30 am to 10:00 pm (+971-4-832-7377 | +971-56-502-9884)
GRAB A BITE AT AL QUDRA’S LAST EXIT
A long day of exploring all the new activities at Al Qudra will surely build up an appetite. So if you need a quick bite to refuel, just head over to Last Exit at Al Qudra.
Located at the entrance of Al Qudra and known to be one of the best areas to find food trucks in Dubai, this spot has a range of dining options to satisfy all your food cravings. You can stop by The Brass and Burger Pit.
There are also washrooms here, so if you are looking for a place to freshen up, you can do so.
- Location: Edge of the Saih Al Salam Desert at the end of Al Qudra Road.
- Timing: Open daily from 06:00 am to 03:00 am
AL QUDRA LAKE ENTRY FEE
Entry into Al Qudra Lake is free for everyone. Even though there is no Al Qudra entry fee applicable at the moment, one must keep in mind that certain activities, like renting bikes, are charged as per the vendor’s discretion.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE VISITING AL QUDRA
- Al Qudra is a desert location so it is advised to take a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you plan to go deep into the area. If your visit is limited to the entrance and the cycling area, sedan cars can easily pass through
- Facilities at Al Qudra Lake are limited, so its best to come prepared beforehand
- Al Qudra Lake weather is pretty much the same as that of Dubai. The nights, however, are slightly cooler. The best time to visit Al Qudra Lake is during the colder months from October
- Avoid littering. There are a lot of animal species in Al Qudra and disposing of waste incorrectly can cause them harm. So make sure you carry garbage bags to dispose of any waste
- Dress comfortably and if you plan to visit in the evenings make sure you carry enough warm clothes as it can get quite chilly
- Barbequing and lighting a campfire on the desert sand is strictly prohibited as it can pose a threat to the wildlife present there. If you want to have a campfire or barbeque at Al Qudra make sure to do it on a barbeque grill or a pot and not the sand.
FAQs
WHERE IS AL QUDRA LOCATED?
Al Qudra Lake is located on the outskirts of Dubai, along Al Qudra Road (D63). You can just type in Al Qudra Lake Dubai into Google Maps and it will take you right to it. The drive may last around 30 to 45 minutes.
WHAT IS THE AL QUDRA LAKE VISITING TIME?
The lake doesn’t have set timings. It is open to the public throughout the day on all days of the week.
IS A 4-WHEEL DRIVE NECESSARY TO REACH AL QUDRA?2
If you plan to off-road into the desert a 4-wheel drive is necessary.
CAN YOU BRING DOGS TO AL QUDRA LAKE?
Pets are allowed at Al Qudra Lake, given that they’re well-trained and visitors clean up after themselves upon leaving.
HOW LONG IS THE AL QUDRA CYCLE TRACK?
Al Qudra Cycle Track runs 86km long, with the main loop being 50km.
IS BARBECUE ALLOWED AT AL QUDRA?
Yes, it is allowed as long as you bring your own equipment and light up a fire in a container, instead of making it directly on the sand.
This man-made desert oasis is definitely a must-visit place if you are someone who loves outdoor activities in Dubai. Even though there are certain camping and barbequing restrictions, there is so much more to do at Al Qudra. So head over to the Al Qudra Lakes with friends or family and enjoy a fun day at Dubai’s most iconic desert attraction.
Ecotourism in Dubai is still a relatively new concept. However, the initiative has resulted in some spectacular nature-rich destinations for people to explore. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is just one of them.
Those in search of more camping spots near Dubai can try camping in Hatta. Set off early in the morning to enjoy some time soaking in the beauty of Swan Lake Hatta on the way.
For the thrill-seekers, there are plenty of outdoor adventures in the UAE that will get your adrenaline pumping in no time.
Have you ever been to Al Qudra? Which of the above-mentioned activities did you find most interesting? Let us know in the comments below.
What’s entry fee?
Hello!
There is no entry fee for Al Qudra!