I'm here again, revealing another hidden treasure in Dubai that is worthy of being in the limelight. The place is far from the crowds and skyscrapers. This offers a refreshing blend of charm and quiet. A place that can make you slow down, breathe and just take it all in. This is Love Lake, a heart-shaped sanctuary located in Al Qudra Dubai.
We drove out with excitement, unsure of what exactly we’d find in the middle of the desert. As we approached the entrance of the Love Lake, lush greenery surrounds the pathways, trees, and wooden art pieces, mostly heart-shaped, of course, are spotted beautifully. The peaceful silence of the place, smoothly broken by the sounds of birds and rustling leaves, as we walked in, our eyes widened. Love Lake is huge. It stretches farther than you’d think possible in a desert setting.
As we walked closer to the lake, we were welcomed by some koi fish gliding smoothly in the clear water. Their colors are shades of orange, white, gold and even specks of black, orange and white. Each fish moved calmly with elegance as if the lake itself was alive with the quiet beauty.
Walking through the path, I was completely engaged in the calmness that surrounded me. As I wandered with my camera phone, capturing the tranquil views, my eyes landed on this large stone with two hearts sculpted into it. It's simple, it's like a quiet symbol of connection tucked into the landscape. The stillness of the water was enticing, like holding a secret, inviting only those who slowed down enough to notice. While walking, my husband was really amazed at the place, same as I am. Meanwhile, my son and his wife were just as delighted, smiling as they took the moment with photos and playful selfies.
One of the most memorable experiences was crossing the lake on foot. The water was shallow enough for us to carefully walk across. Yes, we did it just for the fun of reaching the other side! It was a simple thrill, but something about it made us feel like kids again. My husband was the first to cross, I followed, stepping carefully with a smile. Our daughter-in-law came next. Our son was the last to cross, lingering a bit longer in the water, and was captivated by the colorful koi. He had always had a special connection with them. Back home in the Philippines, he kept two large aquariums with koi that he lovingly raised.
On this side of the lake, we came across a wooden structure anchored in the middle of the lake, with a shaped heart design above it. There were two of them, creating a perfect scene, so artistic. What made them even more magical was the fountain feature. Water gently shoots up from the center of each structure, rising high and it sparkles on the way down. It added a playful, serene atmosphere.
As we continued to walk around the lake, we saw some ducks floating across the water. It was a simple sight but it added much life and beauty to the calm surroundings. A hidden corner of nature where everything, even ducks, moved at a peaceful, perfect pace.
Sadly, we couldn’t make it all the way around the entire lake. Not because we didn’t want to, but because our son began to feel unwell. He had abdominal pain. We didn’t want to push him too far, so we decided to turn back. Even though we didn’t explore every corner, the part of Love Lake we did see was absolutely worth it. Some photos I snapped while we were heading back.
Just outside the lake, you can find a cozy little food truck parked near the entrance. The smell of the freshly brewed coffee brings us in, leading us to the food truck. We ordered a couple of warm drinks and some snacks. I forgot to capture our food, we were too busy chatting about everything we had experienced inside Love Lake. Thankfully, after my son rested, he started to feel better and that small worry lifted.
Our visit to Love Lake was a peaceful escape, embracing beauty, nature and togetherness. And though we didn’t get to see it all, it was truly a stroll to remember.
Photos taken using Samsung S21 5G Collage edited by Canva