Lake Zakher, Artificial lake in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Lake Zakher is a man-made reservoir in Al Ain created when water from drainage systems accumulated in a low valley over many years. The shallow body of water now stands surrounded by desert landscape, with sandy shores and sparse vegetation along its edges.

Lake Zakher appeared suddenly at the surface in 2003, rising among the sand dunes of Al Ain as an unintended byproduct of the UAE's desalination-linked water management: treated waste water released onto the land raised groundwater levels until a lake formed. Tests of water samples confirmed the water is groundwater.

In 2018 the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi recorded about 130 waterbird species at Lake Zakher, roughly 80% of them migratory and the rest resident. Birdwatchers visit to see this mix, which gathers on a lake that emerged only in 2003.

The lake is freely accessible during daylight hours with basic facilities such as picnic spots and grilling areas nearby. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a hat, as temperatures can be intense during summer months, making cooler seasons the better time to visit.

The lake is an unexpected example of how wastewater management systems created an entirely new ecosystem that now serves migrating birds. Visitors are often surprised to learn that this seemingly natural water body originated from treated drainage water rather than natural rainfall or springs.