You must have never imagined the sight of aquamarine pools of water against beige shorelines in a barren desert, have you? If you did, it might seem like a mirage, but it is not the case when you visit Salt Lake in Abu Dhabi. A gorgeous lake, known as the Al Wathba Salt Lake, has recently attracted locals and international tourists to Abu Dhabi. This otherworldly attraction has quickly gained loads of attention as one of the most picturesque places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Intrigued? Then read on to know more about this breathtaking Abu Dhabi attraction.
An insight into this surreal desert lake
Does this lake exist naturally? One might wonder, but like most of the attractions in the UAE, this long salt lake is a man-made wonder made to impress. Salt Lake Abu Dhabi, also known as Al Wathba Salt Lake, is an artificial lake. The lake is created by intentionally releasing water into the desert. In the hot, arid climate of the desert, underground pipes release water that evaporates to leave behind heavy salt deposits that crystallize over time. Together, still water and salt pans, or Sabka, present a surreal combination of white and emerald hues that look dazzling against a dusty, sand-toned background. Normally salt pans take years to develop and form, however, in Abu Dhabi Salt Lake, the coastal arid climate, together with the already existing mineral deposits in the area, caused them to form within a short amount of time. As a spotlight, these salt pads seem perfect on and around the waters for you to stand on and take some instagrammable photos.
Location and how to reach Salt Lake Abu Dhabi
This lake is located at Al Bihouth in the Al Wathba region, a wetland reserve on the west of Abu Dhabi. The area is located 30 minutes away from the Abu Dhabi international airport and 40 minutes away from Abu Dhabi Corniche Road by car. To explore the changing scenery, you must drive from a glistening city to desert dunes and the legendary stretch of emerald long lake. Take E65 or E30 route and head west away from the city. The exact coordinates on a digital map is 5G52+HX Abu Dhabi. It is best to book a tour or rent an ATV, or 4x4, that can deal with the rough terrain at Al Wathba since the roads leading to the attraction aren't smooth.
Things to do at Salt Lake Abu Dhabi
Spruce your social media with stunning pictures
It's what every visitor wants on a vacation - amazing pictures to post on social media and Salt Lake Abu Dhabi makes for a wonderful picture-perfect location when visiting Abu Dhabi. Since its discovery by globetrotters and locals, this long salt lake stretch in Abu Dhabi has quickly become one of the most popular spots to take Instagram photos in the UAE due to its breathtaking landscapes that are rare to find anywhere else in the Middle East.
Barbeque and camping.
Despite the perception that UAE is hot and its residents do not like to go outside, locals like to take excursions away from the city on weekends to enjoy the fresh air and see sights that are not covered in glass and cement. City dwellers enjoy the Al Wathba Long Salt Lake as a refreshing retreat, and many come here with their friends and families to enjoy the outdoors and a barbeque get-together. Due to its close proximity to the downtown area, it can make for an easy day trip from the city. You can even set up a tent and stay overnight if you prefer.
Things To Do Near Long Salt Lake Abu Dhabi
When you visit Al Wathba Long Salt Lake, you will find yourself in a striking location that appears to be quite different from Abu Dhabi city. Make the most of it by visiting the nearby attractions as well while you are taking this out-of-the-way trip to escape the city vibes. You can check out:
Emirates National Auto Museum
A contemporary car museum can be found at Al Dhafra, 20 minutes drive from Salt Lake Abu Dhabi, along the Liwa-Abu Dhabi Road - E56. Over 200 vintage cars that were once the pride of the road can be seen in this impressive collection. The museum's hours of operation are Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and admission costs about AED 50 per person.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
This nature reserve, the UAE's first official protected land, is a wonderful place to experience a bit of nature and wildlife while visiting Abu Dhabi. This attraction, which is about 40 minutes drive from Long Salt Lake, features nature trails where you can go bird watching and watch the flamboyance of flamingos. Although admission is free, it is only open during the cooler months.
Fossil Dunes
Find yourself in a surreal landscape with varied rock formations that were shaped over time by the forces of nature, resembling a lunar landscape. Al Wathba Long Salt Lake is about 10 kilometers from the Fossil Dunes, which makes a great combination for a day trip from Abu Dhabi city.
Also Check: Best Things to do in Al Qana Abu Dhabi
Where To Stay Near Al Wathba Long Salt Lake
There has been little development in the area around the lake since it is an eco-protection zone. There aren't any lodging options nearby, but you can find plenty in the north-western areas, such as Musaffah, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi Industrial City, and Bani Yas. The Millennium Central Mafraq Hotel, Gravity Hotel, and Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi are a few of the accommodations close to Al Wathba Long Salt Lake. Alternatively, you can visit this attraction while staying at the Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi which is one of the most beautiful properties to experience serenity and rejuvenation while on an Abu Dhabi vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no doubt that the Salt Lake is visual treat to viewers, but like any other tourist destination, visitors to this gorgeous Abu Dhabi attraction may wonder about certain aspects. Let’s clear some common queries on this UAE Lake.
Is Salt Lake Abu Dhabi a natural wonder?
No, the lake is artificially created by underground water outlets that pool in the desert. However, the salt pan formations are a naturally occurring phenomenon because of excessive salt present in the arid environment and rapid evaporation. Ultimately, one could say it is a manmade creation, but nature has enhanced it further to make it a sight to behold!
When visiting this attraction, what should visitors keep in mind?
Even though it is a preserved area, there are no stringent rules in place. Nevertheless, it is best to behave civilly when in a foreign country and respect the integrity of the attraction and follow basic etiquette such as not chipping the salt pans or littering at the attraction.
How much does it cost to visit Salt Lake Abu Dhabi?
No entrance fee is charged. You can visit the attraction for free.
Is swimming permitted in the Lake?
The lake is highly enriched in salt, which makes it unsuitable for swimming. Additionally, the pools are extremely long, but obstructed by crystallized salt deposits, making them uneven surfaces for swimming. Further, with such a high salt content in the water, you can only float on the surface.
When is the best time to visit Salt Lake Abu Dhabi? Salt Lake Abu Dhabi is best visited during Abu Dhabi's cooler months. The surroundings and the emerald lakes look picture postcard-perfect during the gentle morning sun and evening sun rays.
Conclusion
The UAE continues to amaze us with one-of-a-kind manmade wonders every year. Salt Lake, also known as Al Wathba Lake, is one such mesmerizing addition to its collection. The capital city of the UAE - Abu Dhabi- is a surging tourist destination, and Salt Lake has boosted it further and wowed social media with its aesthetic aquamarine hues. A sight such as this is very rare to view in a Middle Eastern desert country, making it an extremely Instagram-worthy attraction. Then, why not seize this chance to get to Abu Dhabi, so that you can visit this place before it becomes overhyped and overcrowded by tourists. Grab a visa and experience this unique attraction before it becomes a common excursion in the Abu Dhabi holiday packages.