7 Lakes in Dubai to Surprise You in The Desert City

Dubai is also known as ‘the land of manmade wonders’. Despite being blessed with very few natural wonders, Dubai has proven its worth time and again by introducing innovative ideas. Dubai is not known for its natural lakes; however, it has several man-made lakes and beautiful waterfront areas that tourists might find appealing for various recreational and leisure activities. Here are some notable lakes and waterfront areas in Dubai:

1. Love Lake

‘Love Lake’ is one of the most popular lakes in Dubai. It is a human-made lake, in the form of two hearts, interlinked together. It has been made next to the cluster of lagoons in Al Qudra, which is around 50 kilometres away from Burj Khalifa. It gained tourist attention after an Instagram post by the crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.

Highlights
1.Designated spots for camping or BBQ
2.Fish spotting in the lake
3.Bird watching
4. Captivating flora and fauna 
Location: Al Qudra area, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

 2. Al Warsan Lake

This 35-hectare lake was previously a wetland, converted into a lake by the development board. Nakheel, a property development company in Dubai, has worked towards protecting this lake by making it an internationally important wetland under the Ramsar Convention. It has gained popularity mainly because it houses different species of exotic creatures.

Highlights
 1.Houses 186 species of rare birds, usually found in the Arabian Peninsula.
 2.Spot several mammals and other water creatures.       
 3.Witness a few rare reptiles and plants. 
Location: Next to International City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

3. Burj Khalifa Lake

This 30-acre human-made lake is located centrally in Downtown Dubai. It is most famous due to the Dubai fountain, which is the World’s largest choreographed fountain. Here, you can witness a beautifully choreographed visual spectacle that features 6,000 lights, 25 colored projectors, and 22,000 gallons of airborne water and at the same time enjoy a pleasant ride on the boat.

Highlights
1.Enjoy a cruise ride in the Burj Lake by traditional ‘abra’ water taxi.
2. Enjoy 30 minutes of stunning choreographed Dubai Mall Fountain show.
3.You can also experience this fountain show by cruising on the lake in a boat.
Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

4. Al Qudra Lakes

A humanmade lake located in the middle of a desert, Al Qudra Lakes is a series of artificial lakes and a famous weekend getaway spot for locals. It was created as a part of Project Green and is one of the six substantial freshwater bodies in Dubai. Its main attraction is the massive area beside the lake, which is full of lush green trees planted to give shade to the place, making it an ideal spot for the locals to have some fun.

Highlights
1.It houses almost 130 different species of birds and is a perfect spot for birdwatchers.
2.You can also spot different wildlife creatures in and around, though not harmful.
3. There is a cycling path around the lake, so you can spend some time on the pedals and roam around.
Location: Near Seih Al Salam desert and Bab Al Shamns, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

5. Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) Lake

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), a bustling development in Dubai, is renowned for its modern architecture, skyscrapers, and the picturesque man-made lake at its heart. The JLT lake provides a tranquil setting amidst the bustling city life, surrounded by lush green parks and landscaped gardens. It features open spaces for picnics, yoga, and recreational activities, making it a popular spot for families and friends to gather and unwind.

Highlights:
1. A well-maintained walking and jogging track encircles the lake.
2. Several cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets line the lake's perimeter, providing a diverse range of dining experiences and shopping opportunities.
3. Opportunities for boating and kayaking
4. The lake's location amidst the towering skyscrapers of Jumeirah Lake Towers offers a stunning backdrop, especially during sunset, when the buildings light up, creating a mesmerizing reflection on the lake.

6. Zabeel Park Lake

Zabeel Park Lake, nestled in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a scenic man-made lake within the expansive Zabeel Park. This stunning water feature is surrounded by lush greenery, landscaped gardens, and walking paths, offering a refreshing retreat from the urban buzz. Near the lake, there's a beautiful floral clock with colorful flower arrangements.

Highlights:
1. The lake provides opportunities for pedal boating
2. A picturesque bridge over the lake offers stunning vantage points for panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings, making it a popular spot for photography.
3. There are designated picnic areas with benches and seating
4. Adjacent to the lake is a dedicated children's play zone
5. Throughout the park, various refreshment stalls offer snacks, beverages, and ice cream

7. Dubai Marina Walk

Not a lake but a beautiful waterfront area around the Dubai Marina with a picturesque promenade, restaurants, cafes, and luxury yachts. It is a stunning waterfront promenade located in the heart of the vibrant Dubai Marina district, known for its picturesque views, luxurious skyscrapers, and dynamic urban lifestyle. 

Highlights:
1. The Marina Walk is renowned for its diverse array of restaurants and cafes offering cuisines from around the world
2. The walk is dotted with trendy cafés and shisha lounges
3. Adjacent to the promenade is Marina Mall
4. The walk features ample seating areas, providing the perfect spots to relax and soak in the lively atmosphere
5. The Marina Walk is a hub for yacht cruises and boat tours
6. Throughout the year, the Dubai Marina Walk hosts various events, including markets, festivals, art exhibitions, and live performances

It is hard to believe that most of the lakes in Dubai are human-made. The scarcity of natural beauty did not stop Dubai from developing and making its mark in the world platform. It is through innovations like these lakes and many other marvels that Dubai has developed.