SALT LAKE ABU DHABI

The trending Salt Lake in Abu Dhabi, originally named AlWathba Salt Lake is a manmade lake that is fed by underground pipes. Over the years, because of Mother Nature's incredible works and evaporation, huge chunks of sodium chloride(salt) have started forming and crystallising above the surface of water and the edges of the lake.

While every urban traveler is aware of Abu Dhabi's sky-towering buildings and glittery malls, a new addition to the city's tourist attraction portfolio is the Salt Lake Abu Dhabi. Thanks to the social media websites that have brought this amazing piece of Nature into the limelight.

hese salt deposits sparkle in the bright sun with the emerald green waters of the lake making the place look so surreal. These salt pads, also known as ‘sabkha’ are so solid that visitors to this astounding place can walk over them and hop from one to another. For those who are looking for a quick break from the modern city of Abu Dhabi, AlWathba Salt Lake is a great choice to picnic and marvel at Nature's unique creation.

This alluring destination is located a little off the main road and requires one to travel on a SUV to reach the lake. Tourists can also camp overnight here and spend a night having fun with friends and family. If barbeque is your thing, you can also grill a BBQ of your choice and relish them during camping.

Visit this lake in the wee hours of the morning to enjoy the pleasant climate and the spellbinding beauty of the sun rays falling on the emerald green waters of the lake and the sparkling white salt deposits. Carry enough snacks and water and enjoy a day witnessing nature’s mesmerizing piece of art!

Highlights

• Marvel at Mother nature’s artistic creation of beautiful salt formations over the manmade lake.
• Click several enviable pictures with the pale green waters and stunning salt structures in the background.
• The lake is home to many desert birds so try spotting as many as you can.
• Play a game of stepping stones over the solid salt structures of the Salt Lake.
• Walk through the unique landscapes and cherish the experience.
• Camp overnight by the lake and enjoy an amusing night in the middle of the expansive desert.
• Spend a day picnicking and BBQ your favourite food right beside the lake.
• Enjoy the thrilling SUV ride to the Salt Lake Abu Dhabi.
• Delve deep into geography and learn how these unique salt structures have formed over a man-made lake.

How To Reach

Salt Lake Abu Dhabi is located on the outskirts of the city, hence reaching here can be a bit of hassle. You can either choose to take your private vehicle or can just rent out one to reach this destination in time and with comfort.

Best Time To Visit

Abu Dhabi Salt Lake is located in the desert city of Abu Dhabi and hence it is best visited during the winter months from December to mid February when the climate is pleasant and chill. However, if you are visiting the Gulf during other parts of the year, it is highly recommended to visit this attraction during the early hours of morning from 5.00 AM to 8.00 AM before the sun gets really scorching. If you are planning to camp overnight at Salt Lake Abu Dhabi, visit when the sun sets, say like after 5.00 PM to escape the blazing sun.

Other Essential Information

Places to visit near Salt Lake Abu Dhabi -

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 

This is the largest mosque in Abu Dhabi and one of the largest in the world too. The mosque is an architectural masterpiece with its design inspired from Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt, and other Islamic countries. The mosque can accommodate upto 55,000 people at any given time.

Emirates Palace 

This luxury 5-star accommodation overlooks a private bay on the Arabian shores and radiates opulence in its 92 suites and 22 residential suites. The suites are spread across 2 wings and some of the king-size facilities here include 2 world-class spas, 2 helipads, a 1.3 km private beach, more than 40 business spaces, and a state-of-the-art ballroom.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 

This indoor theme park is the world's first Ferrari-themed park. The Formula Rossa roller coaster here is the fastest in the world and the theme park features more than 40 thrilling rides that can make even the bravest souls skip a heartbeat. There are also fun-filled shows here like “Meet Berto the Mechanic” and “Benno the Mouse and Friends” to entertain the kids.

Louvre Abu Dhabi 

This stunning art museum is located on Saadiyat Island and is vouched as "France’s largest cultural project abroad". The display hall here has more than 240 masterpieces of artworks that tell untold tales of the cultural exchanges between China and the Islamic countries.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi 

This Emirati-themed water park is located on Yas Island and features 45 super cool water rides and slides. Some of the no-miss adventurous water rides are the 'Dawwama' tornado water coaster, the 'Bandit Bomber', and the freefall drop water slide 'Liwa Loop'. The outlandish experiences here like Underwater VR Experience and Pearl Diving Experience are truly cherishable.

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi 

As the name suggests, this indoor theme park is inspired by Warner Bros's creations like Looney Tunes and Hanna-Barbera. The park has heart thumping rides, Meet and Greet with characters like Bugs Bunny, Tom and Jerry, and Scooby Doo, fine dining restaurants like The Star Light Restaurant, and many souvenir shops to choose your favourite one.

Corniche Road 

The Corniche is a 8-km long road that has a children's play area, a cycling path and a pedestrian lane that makes it a great hangout spot to while away an evening with friends and families. The road also has some famous restaurants and cafes and is one of the scenic roads to enjoy an evening stroll.

Places to eat near Salt Lake Abu Dhabi -

• Ingredients: Serving Asian, Middle Eastern, International, Sushi, and Arabic cuisine, this restaurant serves scrumptious food and has friendly staff who promise a true fine dining experience. The ambiance is warm and soothing making it a great place to assemble for family lunch and dinner.
• Glow Poolside Sports Bar: Set beside a rooftop pool, this international cafe and poolside bar serves choicest renditions of vegetarian and halal options. Aesthetically lit at night, a dinner under the star studded sky with amazing views of the city around makes it a dream destination for many couples who like to spend a romantic evening.
• Catch at St.Regis: This chic restaurant overlooks the Arabian bay and is famous amongst both locals and tourists for its mind-blowing menu of innovative seafood, cocktails, and wine. The interior of the restaurant is sophisticated and if you love seafood, this is a no-miss food destination near Salt Lake Abu Dhabi.
• Cabana Beach Bar and Grill: This vegetarian restaurant at Corniche serves European and contemporary food. Burgers served here are a true feast to gulp upon and the relaxed atmosphere at the restaurant makes dining here more fun-filled. The staff here are courteous and hospitality extended here will make you come back again.