An exquisite Salt Lake, right here in Abu Dhabi!
A newly discovered Salt Lake in the UAE has taken social media by storm. Called the “Al Wathba Long Salt Lake”, this gorgeous stretch of emerald green waters is situated in the desert area of Abu Dhabi and has attracted hordes of people for pictures and barbecues.
Want to plan your next road trip to this newly discovered gem in the country? Read on, as we walk you through all the details of this mysterious lake!
Location
Al Wathba Salt Lake is in the Al Bihouth region of Abu Dhabi, near Al Wathba South. The lake is located in proximity to the famed Fossil Dunes. To reach the Al Wathba Long Salt Lake location, take the E65 or E30 route and follow the directions on Google Maps using plus code 5G52+HX Abu Dhabi.
About the Lake
Al Wathba Salt Lake in Abu Dhabi is man-made, with pipes from underground feeding it. The salt comes from the salt flats called ‘sabkha’ that are a by-product of the arid coastal climate of the area.
The giant pads of salt that form an aesthetic stepping stone feature in the lake generally take years to develop naturally. The only possible explanation for their mysterious existence is that the artificially fed water somehow cuts its way through the already existing salt and mineral deposits underneath the surface sand – creating these gorgeous crystalline salt pads.
There are not one, but two lakes present on location. With crystallised salt bordering the lakes, this latest attraction is definitely worth the hype, or at least something that we’re not used to seeing in the Middle East!
Things to Do at the Al Wathba Long Salt Lake
This beautiful Long Salt Lake is a sight to behold, so you’ll probably end up exploring the area or jumping around the lily pad-like salt structures on arrival. We doubt you’d be able to contain the excitement in this case.
Being a desert, this place is ideal for barbecues with your family or friends, or even solo (if that’s your thing). You can choose to camp overnight too.
Since the place is literally picture perfect, you can get your photography gear and take some stunning images for the gram. Don’t forget to take a bunch of selfies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get to the Long Salt Lake in my sedan?
Since there is a some off-roading involved, we would recommend going there in a four-wheel-drive.
Are there any rules I need to keep in mind while visiting this lake?
Although there aren’t any official rules in place, we suggest you don’t litter the lake and the area around it. If you camp overnight, make sure you don’t leave any trash behind.
Refrain from breaking off chunks of salt from the lake. It is important to preserve the beauty of the lake for future visitors.
Abu Dhabi has a host of fun things to do, especially for nature lovers and explorers. From the beautiful Fossil Dunes that are just around the corner, to the gorgeous Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, the list just goes on. You also have the Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi, a newly opened attraction that is definitely worth the visit.
If you’re looking for another mysterious lake to explore in the UAE, you can add the pink lake in Ras Al Khaimah to your bucket list. As the name suggests, the lake is a vibrant shade of pink, making it perfect for some intriguing Instagram content. We also have the beautiful love lake in Dubai, a lake that’s in the shape of a heart – how cute is that!
Find out about all the fun places to visit in the UAE and plan out you holidays with MyBayut, the region’s best property blog!
