UAE: This secret lake in Dubai stayed hidden until the Crown Prince posted it and now you can see it from space

TL;DR

• Love Lake is a heart-shaped man-made lake in Al Qudra desert, built as a tribute to love and harmony.
• It was revealed by Sheikh Hamdan in 2018 through a surprise Instagram post.
• In 2021, KhalifaSat, a UAE satellite, captured its full form from space.

Tucked in Dubai’s Al Qudra desert, Love Lake Dubai is a unique man-made attraction shaped like two giant hearts. Built in 2018 and revealed by Sheikh Hamdan on Instagram, this romantic lake surprised visitors with its design and surrounding trees spelling “LOVE” visible from above. Located about an hour from central Dubai,
Love Lake offers walking paths, picnic spots, and beautiful views. It’s popular with couples, families, and photographers alike. In 2021, UAE’s KhalifaSat even captured Love Lake from space, highlighting its striking shape and making it a must-visit landmark in Dubai’s desert.


What The Name Love Lake?
Love Lake is a human-made twin-heart-shaped lake tucked away in Dubai’s Al Qudra desert. From above, it looks like two huge hearts lying side by side, surrounded by desert sands. But it’s not just about the shape.

The name “Love Lake” comes from the word “LOVE” spelled out using more than 16,000 trees and plants planted carefully around the water. This isn’t visible from the ground, you have to see it from a drone or aerial image to understand the scale.

So why was it made? Simply put: to symbolize connection. Romantic love, yes, but also love for nature, peace, and open space. In a city full of fast-paced innovation, this is one of the calmest, most thoughtful places you can go.


When Was It Introduced?
Love Lake wasn’t announced in advance. There were no press tours or grand openings.

Instead, in November 2018, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, quietly posted an aerial photo of the lake on Instagram.

It took people by surprise. Almost overnight, a large, heart-shaped lake had appeared in the middle of the desert, complete with walking trails, rest zones, and desert landscaping. People rushed to find it, visit it, and photograph it. And it hasn’t slowed down since.


The Royal Attention
Dubai’s leaders didn’t just create Love Lake, they’ve also been personally connected to it.

In 2018, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Ruler of Dubai) and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (now UAE President) brought the King of Bahrain to visit Love Lake. It was a quiet but symbolic gesture, a way to show what Dubai stands for beyond skyscrapers and malls.

Then in 2019, Love Lake became the setting for a surprise wedding. Sheikh Mohammed showed up unexpectedly at a group ceremony for nine Chinese couples who chose to get married by the lake. The moment was captured on video and shared by Dubai Media Office, another example of the lake’s growing cultural meaning.


What Makes Love Lake Dubai So Special?

• Heart Shapes from Above: The two water bodies form giant hearts, only fully visible from a drone or aerial view.
• “LOVE” in Trees: Over 16,000 trees were planted to form the word "LOVE" around the lake.
• No Entry Fee: It’s free to visit and open 24/7.
• Eco-Friendly Features: Built using sustainable methods, includes solar lighting and water-saving systems.
• Biodiversity Spot: Located in a conservation zone with 150+ bird species, desert animals, and fish.
• Recreation Friendly: There are walking paths, cycling tracks, picnic spots, and BBQ areas.
• Best Time to Visit: Between October and March, when the desert weather is mild.

2021: Love Lake Spotted from Space
In 2021, something special happened. The UAE-made satellite KhalifaSat captured a detailed image of Love Lake from orbit.

The photo showed the two heart-shaped lakes and the tree-lettering clearly, even from space. It wasn’t just about the image; it was a moment of pride. A quiet desert spot, built to symbolize love, had become part of the UAE’s space imagery archive.

The image was later shared by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, showing how even small, symbolic landmarks can stand out on a global (or galactic) scale.

So, if you’re in Dubai and want to see something different, this is it.


FAQ
Q1. How do I get to Love Lake?
A1. Drive to Al Qudra, about 50 km from Dubai Mall. Follow signs to “Love Lake” after you reach Al Qudra Lakes.

Q2. Can I swim in Love Lake?
A2. No. Swimming is not allowed. The lake is meant for walking, relaxing, photography, and outdoor picnics.

Q3. Is there food or water available?
A3. No shops or cafés on-site. Bring your own food, water, and supplies, especially if you’re planning to picnic or camp.