Al Qudra Lakes

Flamingos, Desert Camping, and the Best Pop-Up Food Scene in Dubai

Al Qudra Lakes is one of our favourite quick escapes from the city — free to enter, about 40 minutes from Dubai, and somehow always worth it. The cluster of man-made lakes in the middle of the Saih Al Salam desert has developed into a proper wildlife ecosystem over the years, with flamingos, black swans, gazelles, and foxes all doing their thing while you set up a picnic or fire up the BBQ. On a quiet morning with the water reflecting the desert sky, it genuinely does not feel like you are anywhere near Dubai.

We come here for all kinds of outings — cycling with the kids along the 86km track (bikes can be rented on site if you do not want to bring your own), a lazy afternoon BBQ with friends, or just a sunset walk when we need to decompress. In the cooler months the area around the lakes comes alive with pop-up restaurants and food trucks that make it feel like a proper evening out in the desert — check social media before you go as new spots appear regularly. Last Exit Al Qudra near the entrance is always a reliable stop for coffee and food.

Insider tip: pack a blanket and stay for sunset — it reflects off the water in a way that is hard to photograph but impossible to forget. In summer, go early morning and leave before the heat sets in. In winter, this is an all-day, all-evening destination.