Dubai never ceases to amaze us. Apart from the highly-advertised-around-the-world super structures, which attracts tourists, there is so much on offer for expats here.
After few months of mall-walking, and shopping till the-end-of-your-budget, and the scrumptious restaurant dinners, one starts to crave for a bit more.
We got hold of a different type of place the previous weekend. Zain's new found passion for cycling took us on a long drive early in the morning at about 5: 30am to a place bang in the center of a desert - THE AL QUDRA CYCLING TRACK.
But there was another exciting reason why we bundled up our sleeping daughter also in the car at this unearthly hour. We were going in hunt of AL QUDRA LAKES also called the flamingo lakes. Yes, you read right. We got our directions and information on the place from here
Get your GPS, get on the Emirates road, drive to Al Qudra, that falls after Arabian ranches in the middle of Seih al Salam desert and Bab Al Shams. The entrance is marked by a huge entry board with cycles on them. You may park over here and start cycling. But best is to drive on, three roundabouts ahead you will see a roundabout with the structure of mesh horses, then the TREK BICYCLE STORE and ZAD FOOD STORE. This is where you can park and get on with cycling. Brace yourselves for the shock of the humongous number of cycling enthusiasts here.
We decided to locate the lakes first, so got some directions at the bike shop. There is an unpaved well-taken road on the left of the bike shop. Easily accessible in our sedan, within the few minutes we reached the first lake.
Whoa! is that a lake in the middle of the desert?? That too with ducks, swans and plenty of other species of birds. This was just great, having home-made breakfast picnic in the middle of the desert sitting by the lake watching the ducks wade and the swans glide. Fully awake by now the little one did some bird watching with her binoculars and then slowly tread out to have a more closer look. Seems like the swans were having their breakfast too with their neck mostly under water.
This is a man-made lake, and attracts many migratory birds, a hot-spot for many bird-watchers and photographers. This is a lovely place to practice your photography skills in natural settings. Wonderful for the kids to have a natural feel of birds so up close. Drive around the area as there are quiet a few lakes there. There is a designated camping and barbecue area, so we have our eyes set here, already dreaming of the onset of winter here again :)
We also noticed a few dog owners with their pets in certain areas. The dogs were having a much needed off-leash time.
Back to the cycle track, its a completely exclusive cyclists only track, and winds to about 80 kilometers. Trek bike shop has rental bicycles and any other accessories you may be in need of . There are well maintained restrooms, and a Food Store for your food and especially water needs.
Zain got his fix of cycling for the week, and as it started getting sticky and stuffy we headed back by 9 am.
What a weekend morning.. if only it was a tad bit cooler.
Tips....
After few months of mall-walking, and shopping till the-end-of-your-budget, and the scrumptious restaurant dinners, one starts to crave for a bit more.
We got hold of a different type of place the previous weekend. Zain's new found passion for cycling took us on a long drive early in the morning at about 5: 30am to a place bang in the center of a desert - THE AL QUDRA CYCLING TRACK.
But there was another exciting reason why we bundled up our sleeping daughter also in the car at this unearthly hour. We were going in hunt of AL QUDRA LAKES also called the flamingo lakes. Yes, you read right. We got our directions and information on the place from here
Get your GPS, get on the Emirates road, drive to Al Qudra, that falls after Arabian ranches in the middle of Seih al Salam desert and Bab Al Shams. The entrance is marked by a huge entry board with cycles on them. You may park over here and start cycling. But best is to drive on, three roundabouts ahead you will see a roundabout with the structure of mesh horses, then the TREK BICYCLE STORE and ZAD FOOD STORE. This is where you can park and get on with cycling. Brace yourselves for the shock of the humongous number of cycling enthusiasts here.
 |
| Al Qudra falls after Arabian Ranches |
 |
| The Entrance to the Al Qudra Cycling track |
 |
| The Zad Food Store |
We decided to locate the lakes first, so got some directions at the bike shop. There is an unpaved well-taken road on the left of the bike shop. Easily accessible in our sedan, within the few minutes we reached the first lake.
 |
| The unpaved way to the lakes |
Whoa! is that a lake in the middle of the desert?? That too with ducks, swans and plenty of other species of birds. This was just great, having home-made breakfast picnic in the middle of the desert sitting by the lake watching the ducks wade and the swans glide. Fully awake by now the little one did some bird watching with her binoculars and then slowly tread out to have a more closer look. Seems like the swans were having their breakfast too with their neck mostly under water.
This is a man-made lake, and attracts many migratory birds, a hot-spot for many bird-watchers and photographers. This is a lovely place to practice your photography skills in natural settings. Wonderful for the kids to have a natural feel of birds so up close. Drive around the area as there are quiet a few lakes there. There is a designated camping and barbecue area, so we have our eyes set here, already dreaming of the onset of winter here again :)
We also noticed a few dog owners with their pets in certain areas. The dogs were having a much needed off-leash time.
Back to the cycle track, its a completely exclusive cyclists only track, and winds to about 80 kilometers. Trek bike shop has rental bicycles and any other accessories you may be in need of . There are well maintained restrooms, and a Food Store for your food and especially water needs.
Zain got his fix of cycling for the week, and as it started getting sticky and stuffy we headed back by 9 am.
What a weekend morning.. if only it was a tad bit cooler.
Tips....
- Have a good night sleep and get on the road early to catch the sunrise and cycle before its pretty hot
- Get the location and your directions saved in your GPS
- Carry lots and lots of water
- Wear your comfortable clothes and shoes and be ready to spend some quiet time in the beautiful place.
- Carry your cycles and cameras
- That's it. And this place is on our list for the winter :) for the camping and barbecuing
Speaking of winter this is the latest update. Camping in UAE is all fun and very much do-able. Hop into our latest post and have a look http://colorsofourrainbow.blogspot.ae/2015/10/camping-with-family-in-uae-beginners.html
Have fun!
ZAIN & FARZ
Looks like a good place to spend time with your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteYes Vasudha.. But its too hot now in UAE.. Will revisit in winter :)
DeleteJust wondering if month of October is good time to visit this place? What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteHi Arati, welcome to my space:)
DeleteIt should be very pleasant now with the temperatures dropping. If your planning on a picnic there Ideal time to reach would be by 6 am in the morning, so that you have around 2 hours to go before the heat catches on! If its for cycling its better to be on the track by 5:30 am.
Meanwhile the evenings after 5 pm should be pleasant enough!
Hope you enjoy your visit!
Thanks for your reply. I had been to this place during February this year, and my toddler loved it. We plan to go for a picnic with my family.
Delete