While searching for places never before explored by me, I came across an article in a respected newspaper about an unexpected Egyptian rodent which looked like a kangaroo to those taken aback that night at their campsite. Searching the internet quickly yielded few articles with directions to the location; even checking if Google Images showed any pictures of it revealed some intriguing visuals. With all this information at my disposal, I decided to visit this exciting spot next weekend.
Once my husband returned from work, I showed him the articles about our newly discovered destination to explore. He showed some enthusiasm and assured me we would visit it as soon as possible. Soon enough, the weekend arrived and it was time to put our plan into action: on his mobile I opened Google Maps with our starting location as Al Qudra Lake and Al Qudra Lake as its destination. The map showed two routes with minimal differences in distance or time – roughly 1hr 20 min drive each way.
Al Qudra Lake Location
The climate was becoming pleasant, making the ride less sweaty. Al Qudra Lake is located outside Dubai and if you plan to visit, leave early in the morning or afternoon as it gets dark quickly during wintertime. Since it has not yet been fully developed as a tourist spot, there are no street lights or other form of lighting around Al Qudra lake; thus it becomes pitch black except for car headlights and mobile torches. Make sure you cover yourself well if you can’t bear being cold since this open and breezy place has lower temperatures compared to other places in Dubai.
Al Qudra Lake consists of three lakes that create an expansive area. At first glance, you might think this oasis in the desert is small; however, as you explore further you discover lush vegetation with trees and shrubs covering every inch.
At this lake you can spot swans, ducks, storks and some other bird species.
Though not yet well known to the general public, you will see plenty of cars and people around the lake. I assume they too had heard about it like me! Many bring their dogs along; so if you are a dog lover, expect to see several breeds here! Some camp there while others enjoy its serenity before leaving with some pictures taken.
How to Get There :
You will need your car or other transport to reach this beautiful spot.
1. When departing Sharjah, you have two route options – with or without tolls.
If opting for with tolls, take E11 along Al Khail road and D63 towards Al Qudra Rd. Exit 35.
3. If you would prefer not to pay tolls, then take Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road E311 & Al Qudra Road Exit 35.
4. After making your selection and reaching Al Qudra road, driving time to the lake takes around 18 minutes(7.1km) according to google maps.
5. Al Qudra Lake is located in the Seih Al Salam desert and Bab Al Shams mountains, which a Google map will not accurately depict.
6. Continue driving through 1-2 roundabouts until you come to the third one where you will spot a Trek Bicycle Store. Take a left from there and drive along the mud road for 2-3 minutes until you spot your first lake.
7. Another option is to take left from the roundabout onto Private Way/Access road, passing horse riding practice on your left. Drive straight and then take the 1st right; continue driving straight for 5 minutes until you come upon a site with trucks/construction workers. Take the road opposite it by driving over mud roads until you reach the lake which should take 5-6 minutes.
Tips :
Be patient as traffic may be heavy around here!
1. Bring water and snacks with you, as there is no store nearby the lake.
2. There are no lavatories around the lake; if you need to use the loo, drive back to Trek Bicycle store where there is also a small cafe/restaurant nearby.
3. Protect yourself with sweaters/shawls/skull caps etc. if you are susceptible to cold climates; it can get very breezy and chilly around the lake.
4. Bring torch or emergency lamps if you plan to camp there.
5. Alert family/friends before making plans as these places could become lost while searching for the lake; google map doesn’t always give an exact route!
Please keep the area around the lake free of debris such as empty plastic water bottles, chips bags, soft drink tins, paper plates and food items like diapers or chocolate wrappers.
2. Please bring some polythene bags with you to collect garbage and dispose of it in nearby trash cans or carry it back with you and dump it into your building’s chute.
3. Help keep Al Qudra lake’s surroundings clean so everyone can appreciate its stunning beauty!
