Since I turned 40, I have started to prefer the countryside or small towns over big cities, so finding Al Quadra Lakes here in the UAE was like finding a treasure.
Dubai is a city known for its captivating and diverse architecture. It has an array of fascinating towering skyscrapers, the tallest building, the largest fountain, the iconic man-made island, and luxurious beach clubs…
But what if you want to escape from the overflowing city of Dubai? Is there anything else than sand?
These were my thoughts when I moved to Dubai, expecting just sand and buildings.
Exploring Al Quadra lakes
Fortunately, Dubai has much more to offer than just a glamorous city. Just a 45-minute drive from Dubai Downtown, you can discover a completely different world of lakes, trees, fish, birds, gazelles, and, of course, sand and dunes – the Al Qudra Lakes.
The Al Qudra Lakes are located in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, the first unfenced nature conservation reserve in the United Arab Emirates. This oasis spans over 10 km of lakes with isolated islands for wildlife and hundreds of trees. Supported by a watering system and home to over 170 bird species, the Al Qudra Lakes make an ideal destination to rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
The Charm of Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lakes is one of our favourite places for a countryside experience, and it’s close to where we live. As a European, I have always loved the sound of burning wood, the smell of cooking meat, and the sound of chirping birds. Add the lovely green trees, tall grasses, flowering bushes, and breathtaking sunset—what more could one wish for?
We often take these things for granted in Europe and don’t appreciate them enough. However, here in the UAE, I realize and appreciate what we have in England, Slovakia, or any other European country. Of course, it’s not just Europe that has beautiful greenery. Since I haven’t been to America, Africa, or any other Asian country yet, I can only speak from my experiences.
What you can do at the lakes
I love having BBQ by the lakes, and many people enjoy it, too. We usually arrive around 4 pm when it’s still light and warm. We find a quiet spot with a nice view of the lake and the horizon. Especially over the weekend, it means driving a little longer to find a peaceful place.
Once we stop, we take our camping chairs, table, portable barbecue, and everything else we need out of the car. My husband is in charge of the barbecue. I prepared all the food at home. So, it’s time for me to sit back, relax, and enjoy a refreshing drink while watching the world go by.
By the time the food is cooked, it’s usually sunset time, and we enjoy the beautiful scenery as we eat. Although we take hundreds of sunset pictures, we know that one can only partially capture the natural colours and unique atmosphere.
Some people stay overnight in tents or campervans, but most visitors stay until late and leave before the temperatures drop.
NOTE:
- The sun sets in the UAE at different times, depending on the season. During winter, it usually sets around 5:30 pm, while in the summer, it sets at around 7 pm.
- It’s important to note that the Al Qudra lakes are mostly shallow, and swimming in them is not recommended. However, we have seen people dipping their feet in the water.
- There is an unwritten law to drive on the right side of the lakes to make it easier to navigate around the area, but some drivers still get lost or just ignore it and cause confusion.
Stargazing
If you enjoy stargazing, stay at Al Qudra after sunset. The lack of city lights will transform the area into a stargazer’s paradise. One of the first constellations you would probably see is Orion, which is easily identifiable thanks to the three stars positioned above each other, known as “Orion’s belt”.
Additionally, a well-known star formation in Europe called “Big Dipper” or “Saucepan” (known as “Big Cart” in Slovakia) is also easy to spot. The Big Dipper is a part of the Ursa Major constellation, which means “The Great Bear”.
You can download several mobile stargazing applications to help you recognize the stars, planets, and constellations. If you’re interested in learning more about the sky over Dubai, I would suggest looking at The Sky Tonight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates | TheSkyLive.com
NOTE:
One of the most exciting discoveries I made about Dubai’s night sky was the position of the crescent moon. It appears to be “lying on its side” instead of “standing upright”.
The best time to visit Al Qudra Lakes
The winter months are the best time to explore the Al Qudra lakes. Between the end of October and early May, you can go to the lakes for BBQs, a walk, or to watch flamingos and other birds. They are fed around lunchtime, and you can watch them from a closer distance.
Just make sure you don’t disturb them and enjoy the unusual scenery.
The Al Qudra lakes are surrounded by desert, and you can take stunning photos of dunes or contrasting water, greenery, and desert.
In the summer, when temperatures rise above 40 degrees C, most lakes are empty, and some birds migrate to more hospitable places.
Wildlife
My husband and I may not be experienced birdwatchers, but watching the beautiful white and black swans playing with their little cygnets amid a desert landscape feels so peaceful.
We also like to watch grey heron and grey crowned cranes (crested cranes), which have beautiful fluffy golden crowns over velvet black foreheads, red inflatable throat pouches, and white sides. It was a true pleasure to watch them fly and spread their wings, showcasing their beautifully blended colours.
Another breathtaking birds we came across were a flamingos. I recently learned that they are initially grey or white and gradually turn pink over the first couple of years of their lives. We even observed them during feeding time, allowing us to appreciate their stunning beauty fully.
Discover the magic and fun in this beautiful oasis
If you get the chance, I highly recommend visiting Al Qudra Lakes, an oasis in Dubai’s Emirates that offers a break from the city’s fast-paced lifestyle and an opportunity to connect with nature’s tranquillity. The man-made waters and lush greenery create a haven for visitors to enjoy bird watching and breathtaking sunsets.
More than just a physical destination, Al Qudra is a journey towards finding balance and inner peace. Every visit provides a unique perspective on life’s adaptability and resilience as you witness the harmony of trees and water thriving in this arid desert landscape.
