Al Qudra Lake Location: How to Drive There and What to Know
Where Al Qudra Lake is, the route along Al Qudra Road (D63), the bridges the RTA opened in 2026, whether an ordinary car gets you there, and the rules at the lakes.
Al Qudra Lake is in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, off Al Qudra Road (D63). Gulf News describes access as by car only, and entry is free. Khaleej Times describes the reserve as about a 45-minute drive from the city centre.
This guide covers the route, what has changed on Al Qudra Road this year, whether an ordinary car will get you there, and what to know before you park up. The rules at the lakes have changed more than once, so we say where sources disagree rather than pick one.
The short version
Set your map to Al Qudra Lakes and follow Al Qudra Road (D63) into the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
There is no entry fee, and Gulf News describes access as by car only.
The RTA opened a 700-metre bridge on Al Qudra Road in August 2026, and more ramps are due by the end of the year.
Last Exit on Al Qudra Road has food trucks, so stop there on the way in and bring your own water.
Parts of the area are unlit, so plan to drive out before dark.
How to get to Al Qudra Lake by car
Al Qudra Road (D63) is the road to the lakes. Gulf News describes it as the road that takes visitors directly to them. From the city, Khaleej Times suggests taking the Umm Suqeim exit from Sheikh Zayed Road and driving past Dubai Studio City onto Al Qudra Road.
Search for Al Qudra Lakes in your map app. Visit Dubai describes the reserve as unfenced, and Gulf News says it is free to explore.
Whether you pass a Salik gate on the way depends on where you start and which road you take. Our Salik guide explains how the charges work.
Al Qudra Road: what changed in 2026
The RTA has been rebuilding Al Qudra Road between Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road. Gulf News and Gulf Today both reported in August 2026 that the project covers 11.6 kilometres of Al Qudra Road and bridges totalling 4,000 metres.
On 9 August 2026 the RTA opened a 700-metre, four-lane bridge at the junction of Al Qudra Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, carrying traffic towards Al Qudra. Both reports say the work cut the waiting time at that junction by 85 per cent, from nearly seven minutes to one minute. The bridge in the other direction opened in February 2026.
Two more ramp bridges at the same junction are due in the fourth quarter of 2026: a 500-metre ramp towards Jebel Ali and a 900-metre ramp towards Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport. Until they open, follow the signs at that junction rather than an old memory of the road.
Will an ordinary car get you there?
Sources do not agree on this, so here is what each one says. Khaleej Times describes the lakes as accessible with any vehicle. Gulf News says you need to go off-road to reach them.
What that means in practice: stay on the tracks that other cars are using, do not follow tyre marks into the dunes, and turn back if the surface gets soft. If you are in one of our cars and your route takes you onto sand, message us on WhatsApp before you set off. Under every one of our cover options, driving into standing water is charged at cost, so keep well back from the water's edge.
What to know before you go
Food and water. Last Exit on Al Qudra Road has food trucks, as Gulf News and Khaleej Times both note. Bring your own water and anything else you need for the lakes.
Light. Gulf News recommends cycling in daylight because parts of the cycle track have no street lighting. Plan to drive out before dark, or bring a torch.
Swimming. Swimming was on the list of banned activities when Dubai Municipality put up signs at the lake in 2018, as Gulf News reported. Stay out of the water.
Pets. Dog walking was also on the 2018 list, so leave the dog at home.
Fires and camping. These rules have changed over the years. Gulf News reported in 2018 that Dubai Municipality signs banned camping, barbecues and bonfires at the lake. A later Gulf News guide, last updated in January 2023, says you can set up a tent and bring your own barbecue as long as you clean up. Read the signboards on the day and follow them.
The Al Qudra cycle track runs alongside the road, and published figures for its length disagree, so we leave the number out. If you are driving, watch for cyclists around Last Exit, which Gulf News links to the cycle track.
Renting a car in Dubai?
Our monthly rentals start at AED 1,699 a month, including VAT, comprehensive insurance, registration, routine maintenance, 24/7 roadside assistance and 3,500 km a month on most cars. The deposit is AED 1,500 refundable on most cars, or no deposit at all for about AED 255 a month more. Fuel is same-to-same: we record the level at handover and you bring it back at that level, and the difference is charged if it is lower. Salik is recharged at cost plus AED 1 per crossing, itemised. Traffic fines are billed to you, itemised. Delivery and collection are around Downtown Dubai and nearby, and the rest of Dubai on request.
We are Urban Go Car Rentals, an RTA-authorised dealer and agency in Port Saeed, Dubai. Every rental is made on a signed Urban Go rental contract. Have a look at our SUV range, our weekly rentals or our monthly rentals, or message us on WhatsApp on +971 50 500 3965 and a person will answer.
Sources
Gulf News - Dubai bridge cuts Al Qudra intersection wait by 85%
Khaleej Times - Dubai destinations: 56 lakes in a sea of sand
Gulf News - Ban on camping, bonfire and dog walking in Al Qudra Lake (2018)
Last reviewed 30 October 2026.
FAQ
Where is Al Qudra Lake?
How long does it take to drive to Al Qudra Lake?
Is there an entry fee for Al Qudra Lake?
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