Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve: What You Can Do There

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve is the largest unfenced conservation area in the UAE and lies about 45 minutes from central Dubai, according to Gulf News in August 2026. Dubai Municipality has built eight bird hides across it and says its lakes are open year-round for leisure and recreation. Entry to the reserve, the lakes and the cycle track is free.

The reserve in numbers

When Khaleej Times profiled the reserve in December 2021, it covered more than 950 sq km, over 23% of Dubai's land area, and held 56 man-made lakes, including Al Qudra and the Love Lakes, spread over about 10 sq km. It counted about 1,200 Arabian oryx and 2,000 gazelles at that time. Treat these as 2021 figures; we have not found a more recent official count.

What you can do

Watch birds and wildlife

Dubai Municipality's eight hides are mostly near the lakes. Gulf News (January 2023) reported more than 200 migratory and resident bird species, plus Dubai's largest population of Arabian oryx and both sand and Arabian gazelles. The Oryx Platform viewing point is near Expo Lake. Lakes named in that guide include Al Qudra, Love, Expo, Crescent Moon and Flamingo; reaching them involves some off-road driving along a signed trail.

Cycle or walk the Al Qudra track

The Al Qudra cycle track runs from Al Barari to Bab Al Shams. Guinness World Records named it the longest continuous cycling path in November 2022, at 80.6km, and sub-tracks bring the total to about 135km. It is flat and closed to vehicles, with emergency phone booths at more than 30 points, rest stops and washrooms. Last Exit Al Qudra has food trucks and restaurants. The track is open 24 hours, but parts are unlit, so daytime riding is the safer plan. Khaleej Times noted that bikes can be rented at the Trek store near Last Exit.

Look at the night sky

Al Marmoom and neighbouring Al Qudra are among the closest dark-sky spots to the city. See our guide to stargazing near Dubai.

Heritage and horses

Visit Dubai lists camel racing among the reserve's activities, and Gulf News mentions heritage sites and camel-racing areas near its access points. Khaleej Times (2021) also pointed to the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site and horse riding at Al Jiyad Stables, which was then charging AED 150 on weekdays and AED 200 at weekends for group rides; check current prices directly.

Rules to know

Rules are not the same at every lake. Gulf News reported in 2018 that Dubai Municipality signs around Al Qudra Lake banned:

• camping, bonfires, barbecues and cooking
• dog walking, swimming and fishing
• feeding animals, hunting, and cutting or removing plants
• entering with vehicles or motorcycles

Separate signs warned of AED 500 fines for leaving waste in desert areas and for starting fires in public places. Some guides describe picnics at other lakes, so read the signs where you stop and take every scrap of rubbish home.

Getting there

Take the Umm Suqeim exit from Sheikh Zayed Road and follow Al Qudra Road (D63). Gulf News describes the area as reachable only by car.

Before you go

• The lakes are popular at sunrise and sunset, according to Gulf News.
• Carry water and food; Last Exit Al Qudra is the main stop for supplies.
• Don't approach or feed oryx, gazelles or birds.

For general information. Details can change; check with Dubai Municipality before relying on them.