TraveLog- Al-Qudra Lakes, Dubai

One morning on a weekend I decided to go on a Photography trip mainly to ‘shoot’ birds. A trip to Al Qudra Lake or Oasis was a long planned trip that I decide I must undertake. Loaded my boot with the photo gear & Tri-pod and fully charged batteries and extra SD Cards and Water and snacks, Set my GPS , topped my tank and hit the tarmac to burn some rubber.

The Al Ain to Dubai highway would not be very crowded on early morning on a weekend. Left home at 7 am, I estimated to be there around quarter past eight. As I turn right from the Zayed Al-Awwal Street, I am on the Al-Ain–Dubai highway, E66.

All along the Al Ain – Dubai Highway, as you head North-East and leave the town behind , you can see Camel Farms on either side, Few road side Restaurants, Camel-Race Stadiums and ADNOC Gas Stations. Somewhere in between is the Dubai Border Post that indicates the Speed Radars will face you and flash from the front unlike Abu Dhabi where Camera flashes from behind, if you cross the 140 KMPH speed limit. I fixed the Cruise control to 130-135 KMPH just in case, I step on the gas pedal inadvertently at the wrong stretch of the road.

After about 81Kms, I slow down & keep left and take the diversion and exit the E66 Freeway. I reach a cross-road and take Left , to a 2 way narrow road that will take me to my destination – Al Qudra Lakes through the Al Lisiali Township

As I take the Narrow road to Al Qudra Via Al Lisiali, the sudden change of scenery is experienced. There is a lot of road construction going resulting in diversions and more diversions . The GPS can’t keep up with the change of roads as you follow road signs. It’s only a sense of direction that keep me on route to my destination. I lose sight of any traffic and Tarmac that I was used to so far. The intermittent Kachcha road and sandy turns would have been a delight and exhilarating in a SUV 4X4 but rather rough ride on my 2.5L Passat, a Sedan. This stretch was giving me the memories of roads back home, more so because there were lots of Indian workers seen on the Road construction sites.

Herds of wild camels just cross the road grazing the dry shrubs as they stroll along. I stopped and was waiting for the herd to clear the road. This particular Calf decided to spend more time on the road. One of them whipped my side window with its tail as if it was telling “get off the way”. It is advised to Stop when these gentle giants cross roads. Any accidental crash with a camel will mean a lot of trouble which may result in death or injury to you and your passengers & if you are un-lucky and survive, hefty Fine / Imprisonment that could wipe your life-long saving- clean.

After 15-20Kms, I came across some Stables and few isolated fortress & heavily guarded Palaces. Apart from Construction Trucks and Vehicles I could not see too many commuter cars although I saw many Cyclists racing around with helmet and full gear & gloves. Along the main road there was marked Bi-Cycle Tracks exclusively for them.

A slight diversion from the Main road, I could see a sign board of Al Qudra Lakes. Following the road sign direction, to the end of a 0.5Km dusty rickety road, there was a patch of greenery and a wooden Watch Tower. The GPS announced the arrival of destination.

Sooner I opened the door I could hear the quacking sound of several Ducks and like birds. I reached out for my Camera gear and Tripod. I hardly gave a though to stretch my limbs after a tiring long drive. I was already attaching my Tele-photo lens to my Camera Body.

Al-Qudra Lake is a man-made lake in the middle of the Saih-Al-Salam Desert in Dubai. Al-Qudra is home to dozens of species of birds including Starlings, Eagles, Falcons and Flamingos, Storks, Pelicans, Doves & Ducks including several Migratory birds that nest here. These birds are here throughout the year.

There are several cluster of Lakes that spread to several Kms around. Private Vehicles are allowed to ply along the Lake on the dusty tracks , but slowly. Hundreds of Flamingos are nestled far away to the West of the lake are a delight to watch.

Since a huge number of visitors turn up every weekends , especially during the winters, there are several restriction. There are caretakers & Guards who see that Visitors don’t violate rules.

Few of what are prohibited :- Hunting, Bonfires, Camping, Dog walking, Swimming, Cutting or removing plants, Barbecuing and cooking, Feeding the animals are strictly not allowed here.

It is truly a great sight to see so many varieties of exotic birds in one place. For a while you forget that you are in the middle of a huge Desert. This place is truly a Photographers paradise. Plenty of subjects to practice and sharpen your photographic skills.