Al Qudra Lakes (Love Lake) at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

See Dubai’s impressive skyline through your rear-view mirror as you take a quick 30-minute drive to Al Qudra Lakes, part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. You’ll be amazed how easily you can arrive at a desert oasis from the busy city.

Across the series of lakes at Al Qudra, you can enjoy a picnic or a leisurely ride around Al Qudra Cycling Track. It’s a great way to see Dubai’s beautiful desert sunset with a waterfront view and spot some local wildlife.

This is one part of Dubai where wildlife is likely to be seen in its natural habitat, from desert foxes to the oryx, or one of 200 bird species that live around the lakes. Just a few of the species include swans, geese, ducks, flamingos and more. Some of these native birds are even on the endangered list, such as the Steppe Eagle and the Asian Houbara.

Of course, bird-watching or even a general tour through the desert is available around the lakes. But if you want upscale Arabian cuisine, you can also head to nearby Bab Al Shams – a five-star desert resort styled like an Arabian fort – for dinner with an amazing view of the sunset.

Note to visitors: there are no facilities on the Al Qudra site so come prepared.