Two giant love hearts etched into the desertscape; an Instagrammers delight, almost surreal, but are they real? Can you actually go see them? Here’s everything you need to know about Love Lake (aka Love Lakes Dubai).
What is Love Lake?
Since opening in November 2018, Love Lake Dubai has been an irresistible place to visit for anyone with romance in their heart. It is a hot spot for families, singles, and young couples, each one of them leaving with at least a few Instagram-worthy pictures of this location.
Located in the middle of an arid desert known as Al Qudra (Al Marmoon Desert Conservation Reserve), Love Lakes Dubai is a large area of two intertwined heart-shaped lakes, surrounded by sand dunes and fauna.
The two lake hearts cover an area of over 550,000 square meters. It’s so vast that the shape of the lakes can only be viewed from the sky. However, you won’t be disappointed with the time you spend here, because every inch of the space is dedicated to love with the word ‘l-o-v-e’ spelled out and heart shape signs and motifs everywhere you look.
This idyllic location goes on to support Dubai’s eco-tourism by being a place that utilises nature at its best. You will see eco-friendly materials being utilised in the best way, from signposts on wooden boards to gateways and walls built from natural stones and unique bamboo water sinks.
Away from the bustling city life, Love Lakes Dubai is a peaceful oasis to surround yourself with nature and enjoy some quiet time. You’ll find here many different kinds of colourful flowers, varieties of shrubs, and over 16,000 different trees, including olives and the dessert staple ghaf trees.
See more of our favourite parks and outdoor spaces in Dubai here
What can you do at Love Lake?
You mean, apart from taking the most stunning selfies and Instagram-worthy pictures at various spots around the lakes?
The rubber track around the lakes with the beautiful foliage around, almost 7km in length, allows for a wonderful stroll and jog.
Take the opportunity to dip your feet and walk across the shallow parts of the lakes. You may even spot some fishes and ducks.
Get your binoculars out for some bird watching while you spot native and even migratory birds, or simply sit on the ‘love’ benches while you hear them sing.
Light up one of the fire pits and enjoy a barbecue with your family or simply roll out your picnic spread while the kids ride their bikes.
More than anything, this place is the perfect spot to catch a beautiful sunset with your loved ones. With no high-rise buildings to block views, you get uninterrupted views of the beautiful orange sky, as the sun sets over the dunes. Hang around till after sunset and you may even get to spot twinkling stars and constellations as you look up into the night sky.
Things to know before visiting Love Lake:
- Use of a drone to capture aerial views of the lakes requires prior permission and the need to carry appropriate documents.
- Feeding the wildlife, including fishes and birds, is strictly prohibited.
- You can only have barbecues and light campfires at the designated spots.
- There is no cafe, dining or drinking water facility available in the area.
- Very limited washroom facilities are available and only located in the car park area.
- Make sure you carry garbage bags to dispose of waste, as any form of littering is not allowed and may cause harm to the environment.
- If planning to stay through the evening, it is advisable to get warm clothes as it can get quite chilly.
Love Lake Dubai Entry Fee
Great news outdoor lovers, entrance to Love Lake Dubai is free.
All you need is fuel for your car and plenty of battery power for your camera!
Love Lake Dubai Timings
Access to the Love Lake is 24 hours.
Love Lake Dubai location
Love Lakes Dubai is located along the Al Qudra Road (D63), approximately a 45- minute 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.
You will need to drive your own vehicle to get there – learn more tips for driving in Dubai and hiring a car as a tourist.
To avoid getting lost, it is advisable to use Google Maps or Waze to reach the location.
There are two parking areas available. Although some off-road driving to the lakes is present, driving a 4×4 car is not required. If you plan to drive off-road in the neighbouring desert area, a 4×4 is recommended.
Other attractions nearby to Love Lake
Here’s how you can make a day of it visiting Love Lake and the Marmoon Desert:
Al Qudra Cycling track
This 86km long cycling track is a popular destination among Dubai’s cyclists and fitness enthusiasts. Claimed to be one of the best cycling tracks in UAE, you will find novice cyclists, leisure riders, as well as world-class athletes using this track. Get here at sunrise and enjoy the cool morning breeze while taking in the magnificent views of the desert.
You don’t need to own a bicycle to be able to use the tracks. Simply rent one from the Trek UAE bike shop, located at the end of Al Qudra Road. If you already have one, there are two starting spots, both with dedicated parking spots for your cars. The track is popular with both professional and novice riders alike and is frequented by both individuals and groups of friends.
The cycle track offers benches and shaded areas for taking breaks, and you will find restrooms at the rental shops. Much of the track is not illuminated in the dark, so ensure careful planning ahead.
Al Qudra Lake
This place is a collection of artificial lakes surrounded by sand dunes offering a beautiful setting for barbeque, stargazing, and overnight camping. This man-made attraction is a habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife. You will be able to spot black swans, ducks, flamingos, and if you are very lucky maybe even a few free-roaming gazelles.
Al Qudra is open for 24 hours and offers its camping ground, one of the best in UAE, for free.
Al Qudra Last Exit
If looking to satisfy your food cravings, this location has snack and dining options for you to choose from. Located with an equestrian-inspired setting, this place has a drive-thru and outdoor seating options, as you grab your food from one of the food trucks, designed to look like horse trailers.
Al Qudra Last Exit also has washroom facilities and is open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Where to stay near Love Lake
Whilst overnight camping is not permitted at Love Lake, there are camping areas around Al Qudra (both BYO tent and organised tour groups).
If you prefer 4 walls around you, check out the nearest accommodation items on the Al Qudra side of the city – our top pick would be to stay at the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa.
More Frequently Asked Questions Love Lake Dubai
More things handy to know before you go:
We have conflicting information; many claim that dogs are not allowed at Love Lakes, but signage at the Lake suggests they are, as long as they are kept on a leash.
No, it is completely free to enter Love Lake with no ticket booth, therefore you can also access 24 hours.
It is permitted as long as you follow the rules. Charcoal BBQ’s are only permitted in designated spots kept off the ground.
You will be fine for the main car park with a standard vehicle. However, should you wish to explore further around Al Qudra you’ll need a 4×4.
Undoubtedly Love Lake has added a unique and appealing feature to the Dubai desert, worthy of adding to the best things to see and do in Dubai.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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