What started as an idea in the sand is now one of the most visited outdoor attractions in the UAE. Love Lake Dubai, a man-made heart-shaped oasis tucked inside the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Al Qudra, is the kind of place that makes you question how you have lived in this city and never made the trip. And it is completely free.
The lake opened to the public in November 2018, and its moment in the spotlight came almost immediately. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, shared a photo of the lake on his Instagram account with the caption “To all of you.” That single post made Love Lake a talking point for the entire city, and the destination has attracted visitors consistently ever since.
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What Love Lake Dubai Actually Looks Like
The design is something to see in person. Two massive interconnected heart-shaped lakes sit in the middle of the desert, and the full scale of it is best appreciated from above. On the western shore, trees have been planted deliberately to spell out the word “Love,” while the winding pathways on the eastern shore form the outline of two figures embracing.
That level of detail is a large part of why people keep returning. The surrounding area is home to more than 16,000 trees and plants, alongside more than 100 species of small wildlife. The lake is also home to more than 170 species of exotic animals, flowers, and plants, including birds, swans, ducks, and Japanese orange and goldfish swimming in the clear water. Turquoise water set against desert dunes and lush greenery means nearly every corner here photographs well, which is why it remains one of Dubai’s most-shot outdoor destinations.
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Things to Do at Love Lake Dubai
There is considerably more going on here than photo opportunities. Well-maintained jogging tracks and cycling paths run the length of the lake, and the area connects directly to the Al Qudra Cycling Track for dedicated riders. Designated BBQ sections are a popular choice for families and weekend groups, and camping is permitted in designated areas on-site. With minimal light pollution this far from the city, the remote desert location makes it ideal for stargazing at night.
Love Lake Dubai is free and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parking is free and spacious. There are no food vendors or shops on-site, so come prepared with your own snacks and water. Dogs have not been permitted on the premises since January 2021.
How to Get to Love Lake Dubai
Love Lake Dubai sits on Al Qudra Road (D63), approximately 40 to 45 minutes from downtown Dubai. Driving is the most practical option. Enter “Love Lake Dubai” in Google Maps, or use the coordinates 24.8381°N, 55.4048°E. The nearest metro station is the Expo Metro Station, though you will still need a taxi or rideshare for the final stretch from there.
The best time to visit is November through March, when daytime temperatures are mild and nights are cool enough for camping and stargazing.
Worth the Drive, Every Time
Love Lake Dubai is the kind of place that surprises people. It is a full experience in the middle of the desert that asks nothing of you. No booking. No entry fee. No itinerary required. Whether you are showing a friend a less obvious side of Dubai or just need a real escape from the city, this one delivers.
Cover Image: Visit Dubai/Website
