Find love in the heart of the desert - Khaleej Times

Fancy a day away from the city buzz and the sight of skyscrapers? Unwind and become one with nature in Dubai's latest heart-shaped island carved in the middle of the desert.

Dug deep through Al Salam Desert, 10 minutes away from Al Qudra Lake are two intertwined gigantic hearts that form the 'Love Lake'. The winter attraction isn't just another barbecue picnic spot, but a reserve that celebrates the UAE's history of love and tolerance in the fierce desert environment that shaped today's generosity and chivalry among the local people. The man-made lake responds to different interests and ages with the various features it provides for families, lovers, youngsters, sports enthusiasts and pet owners.

Welcomed with a wooden signboard that reads 'Love Lake' placed between two tree branches, visitors can spot over 150 species of birds including falcons, eagles, ducks and swans drinking from the waterfalls flowing from walls made of stones in a heavenly scene. The corners of the lake are designed with intertwined tree branches forming the heart shape.

The conservation reserve is home to migratory and local birds and various types of fish, including Japanese orange and gold fish, which can be spotted swimming in the clear lakes.

Visitors can relax in four designated relaxing areas that include over 20 benches made of environment-friendly material suitable for the desert. Designated grills are provided for barbecue lovers and pet owners can walk their animals on a walkway by the lake framed by tree branches, olive trees and sunflowers. Three rubber tracks surrounding the lake, stretching 7km long, give room for joggers and bike riders to practise their sport.

The most interesting part is that the trees are planted in a way that spells out the word 'love' when viewed from the top. Around the island, Red Begonia flowers are also planted in a heart shape.

A perfect spot for lovers lies in an elevated island inside one of the two intertwined hearts, accessible through wooden bridge or a shallow waterway. That's the spot to snap beautiful sunset pictures inside the wooden frames, enjoy the sunrays reflected on the trees surrounding the lake, and watch birds flying to their nests under the Samar trees.

Spreading over 550,000sqm, Love Lake has about 16,000 olive, Sidr, Samar and Ghaf trees that reflect the UAE desert environment and about 800,000 diverse shrubs. It has quickly become a popular destination that receives about 1,000 visitors on weekdays, and up to 3,000 visitors on weekends and public holidays.

sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

http://bit.ly/2EWI6ug