Zakher Lake in Al Ain: Location, Things to do, Timings
By Hammad Rana Zakher Lake is a manmade reservoir that is situated in Al Ain town. It was constructed in the 1990s to provide water for irrigation and livestock in the hot and dry Hajar mountain region. It was created by damming a valley which developed a collection of rainwater and eventually pushed up the groundwater level resulting in the creation of this lake.
Since its creation, it has played a crucial role in improving local agriculture, water management, and replenishing groundwater supplies. It has helped the local communities thrive by providing them access to fresh water throughout the year. In recent years, Zakher Lake has become a popular tourist spot, which gives the locals more opportunities to earn a livelihood.
In short, Zakher Lake shows the role artificial water solutions can play in countering water scarcity. It also represents the commitment of the UAE to the region’s sustainability initiatives and improving the lives of the local communities.
Where is Zakher Lake Located?
Zakher Lake is an artificial water reservoir located in the Hajar mountains region, to the northwest of Al Ain town about 164 Km away from Dubai. It takes around two hours to reach this lake from Dubai.
What are the things to do at Lake Zakher?
The things to do at Lake Zakher are Bird-watching, dune bashing, picnics, and BBQ.
Bird-Watching
Lake Zakher is a great location for Bird-Watching. Avid bird watchers bring their cameras and binoculars every year to watch lovely passerines, big raptors, and predator birds. Since it is the only water reservoir in the area, the birds of this region are bound to visit it a few times a day. Stilts, herons, and even flamingos can be seen around the lake.
Migratory and wintering birds also stop by this lake to quench their thirst. This lake is an ideal recreational spot for those who enjoy bird watching or have a general interest in birds. Children and adults are equally fascinated by the variety of birds visiting Zakher Lake.
Hot Picnic Spot
There are many covered picnic spots with proper tables and chairs around the lake. Bring home-cooked food with you and have a fun family picnic day. It is free to lounge around the lake so this is a great budget activity. During the summer, it will be too hot in the afternoon so you cannot stay for more than a few hours. It is better to come for a picnic during the winter.
BBQ
There is a separate BBQ area where covered BBQ grills are available. You can bring meat and vegetables with you to cook on grills. Invite your friends and family to share the BBQ. The kids can play around in the sand while the meal is cooked on the coal.
Camping
Zahker Lake offers amazing spots for Camping. Many tourist tours include camping by the lake’s side. These tours prepare properly for tourist camping. They set up the camps and portable toilets. The food is also included in the tour package. There are desert animals around during the night but they are harmless and stay away from the humans.
The tourists really enjoy the camping experience. Out in the wilderness, eating tasty food while sitting around the fire feels relaxing and peaceful. The clear skies and open terrain offer a fantastic opportunity to enjoy stargazing. The rates for the camping tour are also reasonable.
Photography
The beautiful Zakher Lake, surrounded by mountains and dunes, offers breathtaking sights. You can capture aesthetic snaps of sunrises and sunsets if you camp there. It’s an amazing place for professional photographers to photograph natural sights, birds, desert animals, etc.
Note: We strongly advise you not to swim in the Zakher lake. The lake has a rich ecosystem and aquatic life so there could be poisonous creatures deep in the lake. In addition, the lake does not possess lifeguards or other facilities found in designated swimming areas. There is also the risk of getting injured through contact with debris as the lake is not maintained for swimming. It is a water reservoir whose primary purpose is water management and storage.
What are the places to Visit Nearby Zakher Lake?
The places to Visit Nearby Zakher Lake are Al Ain Oasis, archaeological parks, Jebel Hafeet Tombs, etc. You should stop by these places when you go to the lake.
Al Ain Oasis
The Al Ain Oasis is a stunning green beauty hidden away from the commotions of the modern world. It is a natural paradise surrounded by shady palm trees and orchards. There are about 150000 trees of different varieties in this oasis. It is watered by the old irrigation system called the Falaj system. Here you will be able to enjoy peaceful walks among the shaded trees and appreciate nature in all its glory.
Moreover, Al Ain Oasis has mosques, houses, and watch towers of the past. Walking through Al Ain Oasis is like walking through the annals of time. You will feel like time has remained frozen here. You can walk around and admire the old timeless architecture in Al Ain Oasis.
Jebel Hafeet Mountain
You can go rock climbing and hiking at Jebel Hafeet Mountain. It is the third-highest mountain in the UAE as it is 12 meters above sea level. You can take photographs on the top of the mountains or experience magical stargazing. At the foot of the mountain lies the famous burial site known as Jabeel Hafeet Tombs.
Jebel Hafeet Tombs
The Jebel Hafeet Tombs are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet mountain. They are believed to date back to about 5000 years. These tombs tell tales of their inhabitants who have been gone for a long time. They are beehive-shaped and probably contain 5 bodies at most. You will learn similar interesting information about them at the site.
Archaeologists have found daggers and spears dating back to 2000-1000 BCE. They have also found local stones, pottery, and beads from digging around the site. You should visit these tombs if you are interested in archeology or ancient cultures.
Hili Archaeological Park
The Hill Archaeological Park Dubai is home to various ancient ruins, tombs, and a settlement that is presumed to have been built in the Bronze Age. The site has significant historical and cultural significance. It is open to the public and entry is free. It is a fascinating place that you should visit to experience ancient history and cultures.
The park offers an educational and pleasant experience to visitors. The staff and informative displays give information about the burial sites, settlements, and artifacts on display. The entry timings are from 4 PM to 11 PM. It is a good place to learn about the history of the UAE.
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is a must visit especially if you have kids. The variety of birds and animals is bound to keep them occupied for a few hours. In this zoo, you will find exquisite White Tigers, Sable Antelope, Springbok Gazelle, Arabian Orayx, etc. The kids can interact with animals and feed them. They will also learn about wildlife preservation and cool facts about animals.
The zoo features the Safari experience called “The African Safari” where you can see animals in a naturalistic setting. There are also designated picnic and play areas for the kids. Workshops and educational tours are regularly held to engage children and help them understand the importance of preserving wildlife.
What is the Opening Time of Zakher Lake?
There are no scheduled opening hours or entry times for Zakher Lake. It is a natural site, not a facility so people can come and go as they wish. However, visiting this lake during daylight hours and leaving before it gets dark will be best. You should also arrange your accommodation beforehand if you intend to stay around for the night.
What is the Best Time to Visit Zakher Lake?
It is best to visit Zakher Lake in the winter or cooler months when the temperature is a little down. This Lake is nestled in the middle of the desert so the temperature can get quite high in the summer. It will be impossible to stay there for more than an hour in the summer. Besides this, you and your family will be at risk of heat stroke and dehydration. This is why it is best to bring shades, sunscreen, water, and an umbrella with you to Zakher Lake.
How to Reach Lake Zakher?
By Bus
Take E303 Bus or E306 Bus from Dubai and they will drop you off at Al Ain Central Bus Station. Taxis and local buses are available at the bus station of Al Ain to take people to Zakher Lake.
By Car
To reach Lake Zakher by car, drive on the Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and then take the Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66). Stay on this road until you reach Al Ain Town. From Al Ain City center head north on the Al Ain-Dubai road and then take the exit towards Zakher Lake. It will be quite easy to find the lake once you reach Al Ain as there will be road signs all over the place to show you the way. You can also utilize Google Maps or GPS to reach Zakher Lake.
By Taxi
You can book a Taxi through Uber, Careem, or Hala Taxi to Zakher Lake. It will take some 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the lake from Dubai.
By Hotel Tours
Many hotels have Zakher Lake in their tour itinerary. You can ask your hotel to add it to the list of destinations if it is not included in your tour. The hotel bus will drop you off with a guide and later come to pick you up at the designated time.
Final Words
Zakher Lake is a peaceful, serene, and stunning natural retreat. It is an ideal vacation spot for tourists who want to get away from the noise and commotion of Dubai without burning a hole in their pockets. You can enjoy picnics, take photos, and organize BBQs around Zakher Lake. Camping and bird-watching are also popular activities among the tourists.
Its role as a water reservoir and natural resource management further adds to its significance to local communities and wildlife. Moreover, you can visit Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain Zoo, and Jebel Hafeet Tombs as they are located close to the lake. You should add this destination to your hotel tour itinerary and experience the breathtaking Zakher Lake!
