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 and a variety of fun activities to ensure you get 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 dunes and fauna. The attraction gained popularity in 2015 for its authentic desert vibes and seclusion.
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 LOCATION
The lake is located right 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.
- Remember that there will be a bit of off-roading involved, so it’s better to take a 4-wheel drive just to be safe.
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 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 Lake 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.
- 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 Al Qudra and exploring its beauty, as well as its remarkable layout, is a must-do activity. 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! You can also head to a nearby Moon Lake, a real treat for the eyes.
- Love Lake Dubai Location: Approximately 10 minutes away from Al Qudra Lake.
- Love Lake Dubai Timings: 24-hours
ADMIRE THE WILDLIFE AT AL QUDRA DESERT
There are over 170 native bird species and animals in the 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 and flamingos. If you’re lucky, you may spot the endangered Steppe Eagle or Asian Houbara. You can sometimes spot some free-roaming gazelles, foxes and rabbits around the Al Qudra area. Just remember that 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 buildings and busy roads, you catch 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 those who just love admiring nature’s beauty, 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 it’s dark, the sky above sparkles, making it a fantastic stargazing spot.
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 find a mix of amateur and professional cyclists riding through the dunes in the desert.
There are two starting points from where you can start your ride: the Al Qudra Cycling Car Park near the villas in Mira Oasis and the Teck Bicycle Store at Seih Al Salam. Both 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. You only need 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 Timings: 05:30 am to 10:00 pm (Daily)
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.
One of the best areas to find food trucks in Dubai is the entrance of Al Qudra! Al Qudra’s Last Exit has various dining options to satisfy all your food cravings. There are also washrooms here, so if you are looking for a place to freshen up, you can do so.
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 at the vendor’s discretion.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE VISITING AL QUDRA
- Al Qudra is a desert location. So taking a 4-wheel drive vehicle is advised if you plan to go deep into the area. Sedan cars can easily pass through if your visit is limited to the entrance and the cycling area.
- Facilities at Al Qudra Lake are limited, so it’s 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.
- Avoid littering. There are a lot of animal species in Al Qudra, and disposing of waste incorrectly can cause harm to them. 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 threaten the wildlife 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 Al Qudra Lake Dubai into Google Maps, which 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.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AL QUDRA LAKE?
The best time to visit Al Qudra Lake is during the cooler months, from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities.
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 if you bring your equipment and light up a fire in a container instead of making it directly on the sand.
This man-made desert oasis is a must-visit place if you love 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 to 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 searching for 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 thrill-seekers, plenty of outdoor adventures in the UAE will get the 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.
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What’s entry fee?
Hello!
There is no entry fee for Al Qudra!