The lake is located in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and is just a perfect complement to the Love Lake, which is only a few meters away. Moon Lake Dubai was developed as part of Dubai’s eco-tourism program and is now a refuge for animals and a peaceful place for people to relax away from the noisy city.
- How to Reach Moon Lake Dubai
- Best Time to Visit
- Entry Rules and Facilities
- Interesting Features and Facts
- Unique Crescent Shape
- Changing Colors
- Al Qudra Lakes System
- Nature:
- Things to Do
- Wildlife Watching
- Eating outdoors and Resting
- Camping & Stargazing
- Desert Driving or Riding
- Nearby Attractions
How to Reach Moon Lake Dubai
It will take about 45 to 60 minutes to get to this Lake from Dubai by car. Due to the place being far, there is no public transport. Therefore, if you want to be there, you must drive by yourself or you can just take a desert tour which is ready.
- While in Dubai, you may travel via the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) or the Emirates Road (E66). Go to Al Ain on the motorway and near the place, get off at Al Qudra Road (D63).”
- You should follow the signs of Al Qudra Lakes, turning off the road to Crescent Lake by the sand track. The GPS location can be the best way to get there (≈ 24.79°N, 55.31°E).
To actually finish your journey, you are going to have to take that extra step and it is really important that your car is a 4×4. Even though your car can be parked at the lake, it would be really nice if you could get there early and make sure that you have a parking space. A desert safari in your car, by the way, is definitely going to Moon Lake for a break.
Best Time to Visit
- October to April: These are the months with the least heat (about 20–30°C) which makes them perfect for a visit without any problem of heat. Days are always good in winter and in the beginning of spring.
- Sunrise or Sunset: In case you want to have a cooler temperature and a very nice light then you must definitely go at sunrise or sunset. The sun is at its lowest point and the lake and sand appear to be very colorful and beautiful.
- Night: The desert has very clear skies at night and so Lake can be a perfect place to see the stars (wear something warm).
- Do Not Summer: The summer months (June–August) are very hot (often >45°C) and therefore, a hiking or any outdoor activity is not advised.
You shouldn’t be there from around 10 am to 3 pm in the summer. People are more active at the weekends than during the week. So, in fact, it would be best if you could be there either early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cool to get the most good experience.
Entry Rules and Facilities
Visiting this lake needs neither money nor a ticket. So, it is free to come and park in the place, which is quite a good and inexpensive way to kill time. The location is available to all at any time, day or night, thus you can come whenever you want, however, it is mostly logical to visit during the day.
You need to know that the place is not decorated well or not decorated at all that means there are no toilets, shops, or restaurants in the place. So be sure to take with you enough water, some food, sunscreen, and something to protect you from the sun.
It is also nice if you bring a mobile phone with GPS or a map that you have already downloaded to help you find your way. Being a protected area, this lake is guarded for the animal and plant species that live there – please do not throw your rubbish or destroy the nature.
Interesting Features and Facts
Unique Crescent Shape
The lake gets its name from the crescent-moon shape that you can very quickly see in the aerial view of the lake. Besides, the shape also fits very well with the UAE cultural “new moon” symbol. You can see the shape very clearly from a high building or a drone.
Changing Colors
Photos of this lake can be taken at different colors like gold at sunrise, emerald-green at noon, and amber at sunset so that photographers get a rich palette of colors
Al Qudra Lakes System
Also this is a part of a series of man-made desert oases (this also includes Love Lake and Flamingo Lake) that have been created by Dubai authorities in order to promote eco-tourism. Though it is a man-made lake, it does not look out of place among the sand dunes and is aiding the local ecology.
Nature:
The desert next to the lake has Arabian gazelles, oryx, lizards and insects. There are birds (flamingos, herons, ducks), which come and go, but also live in the area. People who watch birds can see pink flamingos in the winter and also blue herons the whole year. It is better to always see the animals in silence and from far away.
Thus, this lake offers the combination of nature’s beauty and subtle ecological interest – which is quite different from the high-rise views of the Dubai’s city center.
Things to Do
Wildlife Watching
Continually check both the shore and the horizon for desert animals. Most probably you will see Arabian oryx, gazelles or groups of desert birds drinking water at the early morning or late afternoon. Use a pair of binoculars to see the migratory flamingos and herons that might come from the nearby lakes.
Eating outdoors and Resting
This lake is a good place for an outdoor meal with its quiet waterside and a nice open space. Bring a blanket or some chairs and live through the silence during the sunset. (No picnic facilities are available, so be sure to take all the trash with you.)
Camping & Stargazing
Although camping at Lake is not allowed, there are visitors who set up tents in the nearby desert (just make sure you are not in the off-limits areas). Even if you only stay till late dusk, it will be worth it – the Milky Way and stars get very bright as there is no city light. (If you plan to camp, get the necessary permits from the authorized tour companies.)
Desert Driving or Riding
The sandy trails around this are a favorite place for off-road fans. Several visitors use their private desert drive or cycle to get to Lake. On quad biking or dune buggy tours, the driver usually passes by this area. Please make sure that your vehicle and driver are skilled in desert terrain.
Nearby Attractions
Moon Lake Dubai is surrounded by the Al Qudra desert, but it still has a few related sites nearby:
- Love Lake (Al Qudra): Two heart-shaped lakes merging each other is the main attraction of this Love Lake is an amazing concept to nature, a place that really suits well a romantic walk, a rest in the nature and picnics, decorated it is a perfect place, so a great idea visiting at sunrise or sunset.
- Al Qudra Lakes is a general area with several lakes. A flamingo lake is the one where you can find a flock of flamingos coming there for the winter. In addition to that, the big Al Qudra Desert Conservation Reserve is providing cycling trails, barbecue areas, and the chance to see the native animals.
- Al Qudra Cycle Track: The 50 km cycle track which goes around connecting Lake with other desert lakes, is very popular among cyclists. They stop for birdwatching and enjoy nature at the desert while it is quiet and peaceful along this paved trail.
- Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal): It is about 25 km north of the way back to the city and not in the desert, but commonly a combined trip with Al Qudra for the change of views is this famous flower park (approx. Nov–May).
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Located on the way back to the city center, 20 km from the lake area, this wetland park is the habitat of a big flamingo colony. It is an urban wildlife refuge where one can see flamingos very often, especially in the period from November to March.
Most visitors do not just go to Moon Lake Dubai and instead combine their trip with other experiences either by a desert safari (dune bashing, camel rides, or Bedouin camps) or by the nearby attractions like Love Lake. Therefore, it does not matter if you are on a self-drive or a tour, you have to make a stop at this lake if you want to have an incredible and off-the-beaten-path day trip in Dubai.
