Beaches get most of the attention in the UAE, but the country also has a handful of lakes worth the drive, most of them free to visit and far less crowded than the coastline. Here are six worth knowing about, from a heart-shaped lake in the Dubai desert to a mineral-rich salt lake near Abu Dhabi.
Love Lake
A heart-shaped lake set right in the middle of the desert, Love Lake (also called Heart Lake) is a popular spot for couples and families alike. The green trees planted around its banks add to the setting, and there are barbecue grills and camping spots along the shoreline for anyone who wants to make a full day or evening of it.
Highlights
– Barbecue grills
– Bird watching
– Fish spotting
– Camping spots
Salt Lake
If you have seen photos online of small turquoise-green lakes with crystal white banks, this is likely them. Salt Lake sits in the Al Wathba area south of Abu Dhabi, off-road and best reached with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The green colour comes from a high concentration of salt and mineral deposits along the shore. There are no amenities on site, but it remains one of the most photographed natural spots in the country.
Location: Al Wathba area, alongside the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain road, on the southern side.
Al Warsan Lake
A man-made lake formed over a wetland, Al Warsan Lake is home to several endangered bird species and sits within one of the UAE’s internationally recognised wetland areas. A local real estate developer has worked to preserve the site, making it one of the better-maintained lakes on this list.
Highlights:
– Rare bird species
– Mammals, reptiles, and water creatures
Location: Next to International City, Dubai.
Al Qudra Lake
Another man-made desert lake, Al Qudra is surrounded by dunes and greenery and was developed to encourage eco-tourism. It’s a popular spot for camping, picnicking, and birdwatching, home to more than 170 species of birds and animals. Like Salt Lake, it sits in the middle of the desert, so a 4-wheel drive is recommended for the approach.
Burj Khalifa Lake
This 12-hectare man-made lake sits between Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and hosts the famous dancing fountain shows every evening, free to watch. It’s an easy, central option if you want a lake visit that doubles as an evening out, with plenty of restaurants around the adjacent Burj Park.
Highlights:
– Boat rides
– Burj Park
– The dancing fountain show
– Burj Khalifa views
Location: Next to Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.
Moon Lake
Shaped like a crescent moon, Moon Lake is one of the newer additions to the UAE’s eco-tourism spots. It sits in the Al Qudra desert area, away from the city centre, and tends to be much quieter than the other lakes on this list, making it a good pick if you want a genuinely peaceful outing. Entry is free, same as the rest.
Location: Al Qudra Desert, Dubai.
If you’re planning a wider day out in nature, secret beaches in the UAE covers the coastal equivalent of this list, and Global Village is worth combining with a desert day trip once the new season opens.
