Where the Desert Meets Water: Sunsets & Serenity at Al Qudra Lakes

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve (Arabic: محمية المرموم الصحراوية)[2] is the first unfenced nature conservation reserve in the United Arab Emirates.[1] It is located in the desert area of Saih Al Salam in the Emirate of Dubai and comprises some 10% of the total land area of the emirate, including the extensive man-made desert wetlands, Al Qudra Lakes. Wikipedia

Al Qudra Lakes has always been our wintertime escape, a place where my husband and I could disconnect from the city and immerse ourselves in the desert’s serene beauty. My husband and I decided to go back last Sunday. We simply wanted to roam and run off the boredom of staying at home. My husband told me we would leave at 4 PM so we could seize the sunset at 7 PM. We are giving ourselves enough time to roam, explore and immerse in the view. I was excited, bubbling inside me because it had been so long since our last visit. The drive from our home took around 55 minutes. Few cars had arrived before us and we immediately felt that magical sense of calm that makes Al Qudra feel like a hidden oasis.

We arrived at the place with the temperature still a scorching 42 degrees. Stepping out of the car, the desert heat embraced me and the wind, surprisingly warm, added a strange comfort. Despite the heat the quietness of the lakes made it all feel composed. These lakes are man-made. And the attention put into their creation makes them feel like a true abode in the middle of the desert. I was completely allured by the beauty surrounding me. As we walked further, we saw massive trees planted along the lake. It was surrounded by greenery that added life and contrast to the desert environment.

We moved along, our eyes were drawn to a lively sight of flamingos standing tall in the shimmering water. Their pink colors struck against the gentle ripples. A bunch of guinea fowls walked over the pave. Their dotted feather and gestures added a jolly blow to the spot. Watching these birds in their natural domain filled us with a touch of awe and respect.

These trees sown alongside the road brought a natural green landscape that wonderfully varied with the desert surroundings of Al Qudra Lakes. Their presence added a sense of life and shade to the environment making the drive or walk along the road more inviting. They are suited to survive rough desert conditions. But here they were carefully raised. A hose runs under each tree. It brings water every day to help them grow. A prompt of the sweat it takes to maintain such greenery in the heart of the desert.

As we continued to rove around the area, I couldn’t withstand capturing the sun from different views. I took photos of its warm light reflecting off the calm surface of the lake. And also catching its golden light stretching across the vast desert sands. Each fleck revealed a new dimension of Al Qudra’s beauty, from shimmering water to endless dunes, and photographing these scenes made me appreciate even more the magical blend of lake and desert under the same radiant sky.

As we continued our drive, an abrupt motion grasp my eye, a deer! I mumbled to my husband to stop and I slowly stepped out of the car, but the deer sensed me and ran away before I could photograph it. We went further moving to the larger lake. I was delighted to spot two more deer and then another pair, making it a total of five. We had missed the one I had been chasing with my camera earlier, but this time they seemed to appear almost effortlessly. It made me realize that with wildlife, patience truly pays off. When they go for, they step out graciously. They were almost like models bang a pose for the camera. Their sight added a touch of mystic to our ride. The nature itself was putting on a show just for us.

We saw a small hill with trees that made the scenery even more pleasing. A good site for taking pictures. So we got out of the car to pose. The wind blew fully, bugging my hair. The sun’s warmth still remains. It creates an absolute balance of windy freshness and sunny heat.

We reached the massive lake in the area and the scene was awesome. The water reflects the trees and sky above. The desert sand under our feet reminded us of the dry landscape surrounding this abode. It was awesome to experience the contrast of a huge lake resting in the heart of the desert. A peaceful balance of sand and water that felt both unusual and mystical.

As we walked through the area we were in wonder at what unfolded before us. Behind the trees near the lake was a plain of soft sand formed by rolling dunes that made us feel in the heart of the desert. The wind had carved the dunes into stylish flowing shapes. Each curve caught the light in a way that seemed almost artistic. The fusion of the serene lake, trees and shaped dunes made the landscape feel both mystical and classic.

We came across some driftwood lying under the trees. Their worn touch and artful body added a simple charm to the landscape blending naturally with the peaceful environment.

We found a quiet lakeside spot where we stayed until nightfall, pausing to relax, breathe and fully absorb the serenity of Al Qudra Lakes.

Photos taken using Samsung S25 Ultra
Collage using Canva

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