Love Lake: Heart-shaped lagoons form in the Dubai desert

As the sun sets below the horizon, a steady stream of four-wheel drives and a few determined sedans roll into the Al Qudra oasis on the outskirts of Dubai.

The sky glows with shades of red, while the sun burns a bright orange, casting a fiery hue over the vast lakes that break the monotony of the desert sands.

The visitors have come for the sprawling water bodies in the heart of the dunes, spreading picnic blankets, setting up chairs, and snapping group photos against the dramatic backdrop.

The Al Qudra oasis, a man-made sanctuary surrounded by towering dunes and local wildlife, has long been a favorite getaway for Dubai's residents. But in 2018, it gained even more attention when an enigmatic new lake appeared, becoming a sought-after destination.

Seemingly overnight, two heart-shaped lagoons emerged, surrounded by lush greenery that spelled out the word 'love.' Thus, Love Lake was born, attracting crowds with its picturesque settings, diverse wildlife, and tranquil seclusion.

By royal decree

On this particular evening, the lake becomes a destination truly deserving of royalty: As we arrive, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class cruises past, its license plate marked '1' – a car famously associated with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE's vice president and ruler of Dubai.

It’s hardly unexpected: Sheikh Mohammed is often seen around Al Qudra, and it was his son who first revealed the Love Lake to the public.

In a fitting announcement, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, introduced the new landmark in November 2018 via an unexpected Instagram post. The aerial shot of the intertwining heart-shaped lakes made headlines across the UAE, especially since they appeared as if by magic, with no prior knowledge of their construction.

But this was all part of the grand plan. A representative from Sheikh Mohammed's engineering team confirms that the project, which began on March 11, 2018, was kept under wraps from the very start.

The project was carried out with utmost discretion, with minimal outside involvement. The goal was to surprise the world by unveiling this stunning creation.

City of extremes

Dubai is renowned for its extraordinary, man-made wonders. It’s home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the highest outdoor infinity pool at Address Beach Resort, and a host of other unique attractions — including Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor ski slope in a shopping mall, and the Dubai Frame, the planet’s largest picture frame.

According to the spokesperson, the Love Lake project was guided by a straightforward vision from Sheikh Mohammed himself: to create 'a symbol of love in the desert,' while offering a one-of-a-kind tourist spot for couples and families alike.

In a city where Instagram rules, Love Lake embraced the social media trend with heart-shaped designs and strategically placed selfie spots. Over 16,000 trees and thousands of desert-friendly flowering plants were carefully chosen and planted on the site. It’s even rumored to be visible from space.

A dedicated team worked tirelessly 'around the clock' to meet the ambitious 20-month deadline for the project. Though Sheikh Hamdan unveiled the site in November 2018, construction continued for another year to bring the vision to life. Every aspect of the design was created with the environment in mind.

The construction plan was meticulously designed to preserve the area's natural tranquility, with sustainability as a core principle. Eco-friendly materials were used for the seating areas, while bamboo water sinks, traditional-style taps, shaded zones, and fire pits were added to enhance the experience.

There’s even a dedicated running track winding through the site – perfect for a brisk jog through the desert, with the sun beating down on you.

The team has ensured the wildlife is well cared for. Love Lake is home to over 150 bird species, including eagles, ducks, swans, falcons, and flamingos. If you're lucky, you might even spot desert creatures like gazelles and oryx.

These days, Love Lake attracts between 1,000 to 4,000 visitors daily. It’s meticulously maintained by dedicated teams, and even features two filling lines with water-level sensors to ensure the lake remains topped up, even during the scorching summer months.

The spokesperson notes, 'Maintaining a lake like this requires a wealth of expertise across several fields.'

Introducing Moon Lake this April

But Dubai wasn’t finished unveiling new surprise lakes in the desert.

Earlier this year, a crescent-shaped lake emerged near Love Lake, just in time for Ramadan. Named Moon Lake, it was revealed through a drone video posted on a local photographer’s Instagram. Once again, it caught everyone by surprise, sparking excitement across the city.

That’s why, on a Friday afternoon, crowds flock to the lakeside, deep in the desert. Here, the towering skyline of Dubai feels distant, and people embrace a peaceful escape from the city chaos, birdwatching or camping in the dunes.

A word of caution: don’t attempt to drive to Love Lake or Moon Lake in a two-wheel-drive vehicle, no matter how determined it may seem. You might find yourself stuck and in need of a friendly family on a picnic to help you out (speaking from experience).

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of friendly families enjoying a picnic in the area. It’s all part of the experience.