Al Wathba Salt Lake, often called the Long Salt Lake, is a free, unmanaged spot in the desert of Al Wathba, about 50 km and 40 to 50 minutes from Abu Dhabi city. Its turquoise water and white salt pads make mirror-like reflections at sunrise and sunset. The final stretch is a sandy track: a sedan can usually make it when the ground is dry, but a 4×4 is safer. There are no facilities, swimming is not advised, and you should stay off the fragile salt crust. Go from November to March, in the early morning or golden hour.
At a glance
- Entry
- Free; open access
- From Abu Dhabi
- About 50 km, 40 to 50 minutes
- From Dubai
- About 90 minutes
- Car
- 4×4 recommended; sedans usually manage in dry conditions
- Facilities
- None: bring water, food and a bin bag
- Best months
- November to March
- Best light
- Sunrise and the hour before sunset, on a still day
Last checked: 13 October 2026. The lake is not a managed attraction and its look changes with the seasons, so check recent photos before you drive out.
On this page
What the salt lake is
The Long Salt Lake is a man-made lake: underground water is released into a hollow in the desert, and as it evaporates in the heat it leaves bands and circular pads of crystallised salt around turquoise to emerald water. The lake became a social media sensation in 2021, and on a calm day the salt shoreline and still water create near-perfect sky reflections. It lies in the Al Wathba area south-east of Abu Dhabi, near Al Bihouth and the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain road, a short drive from the protected Al Wathba Fossil Dunes.
What it looks like now: how to check
No authority publishes the lake’s condition, and it changes through the year: water levels drop and the salt crust thickens in the hot months, while the rare winter rain can leave the approach track soft and muddy. Before you go:
- Look at the most recent photos and reviews on your maps app, sorted by newest, to see how much water there is.
- Check the forecast: wind spoils the reflections, and you should not drive the sandy track after heavy rain.
- Expect some access routes to change: one turn-off near the wildlife reserve has been closed to protect nesting areas, so follow signs and do not drive past barriers.
Getting there: sedan or 4×4?
From Abu Dhabi, drive towards Al Wathba via the E65 and then the E30, or via the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain road, and use live navigation to “Al Wathba Salt Lake” or “Long Salt Lake”, as signage is limited. Most of the drive is on good paved roads. The last part is an unpaved, sandy track; one popular route follows the line of electricity pylons.
| Car | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Sedan, dry ground | Usually fine if you stay on the firm track and drive slowly |
| Sedan after rain | Do not try; the track can be soft |
| 4×4 or SUV | Recommended, and needed if you want to explore further towards the dunes |
| No car | Book a guided tour from Abu Dhabi; taxis are hard to find for the way back |
Best time to visit
- Months: November to March. In summer the heat is extreme; go only at first light and carry plenty of water.
- Time of day: arrive an hour before sunrise or sunset to set up; golden hour gives the best colour on the salt.
- Weather: pick a calm day for reflections; wind ripples the water.
- Crowds: weekday mornings are almost empty; weekend sunsets in winter are busier.
Safety on the salt crust
- Stay off the salt platforms: they are delicate and break under weight, and the edges can be sharp and slippery.
- Do not swim or wade: the water is very salty, irritates eyes and cuts, and the bottom is uneven.
- Wear closed shoes with grip, and protect cameras from salt spray.
- Bring water and sun protection; there is no shade or shop.
- Tell someone where you are if you plan to explore beyond the lake.
Photography tips
- Shoot low, close to the salt edge, to fill the frame with reflections.
- A polarising filter cuts glare off the water at midday.
- Circular salt pads look best from above; a drone shows the patterns but needs permission.
- Bring a cloth: salt spray and dust settle on lenses fast.
Rules and etiquette
- No campfires; open fires harm the fragile landscape.
- Take all rubbish home.
- Drones need permission from the UAE’s aviation authority.
- Do not drive onto the salt or along the shoreline.
- Respect any fences or signs near the wildlife reserve and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi protected areas.
Pair it with the Al Wathba attractions
| Place | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area | More than 1,700 fossilised dunes over about 7 square kilometres, the UAE’s first protected fossil dune site, run by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi | A 7 km trail, viewing points, a visitor centre and an amphitheatre with evening light shows; entry has been free |
| Al Wathba Wetland Reserve | A protected wetland since 1998 with more than 250 bird species, including flamingos | Opening days are limited; check before visiting |
| Al Wathba Lake Camp | A free official campsite around a lake | Stay the night and shoot the salt lake at sunrise |
| Sheikh Zayed Festival | The big winter festival at Al Wathba | 30 October 2026 to 14 March 2027, from late afternoon |
A half-day plan: sunrise at the salt lake, the Fossil Dunes trail mid-morning, then back to the city; or the Fossil Dunes in the late afternoon, sunset at the lake and an evening at the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
Guided tours
If you would rather not drive the sandy stretch, licensed operators run 4×4 tours from Abu Dhabi that combine the Fossil Dunes and the salt lake, sometimes with dune driving in the Al Khatim desert or a desert camp. Check that the operator is licensed and what is included.
- Abu Dhabi city parks: Umm Al Emarat, Reem Central and Electra Park.
- Camping in Abu Dhabi: where to pitch a tent.
- Places to visit in Abu Dhabi: the capital’s highlights.
- Best parks in Dubai: if you are heading north.
Al Wathba Salt Lake FAQs
Where is the salt lake in Abu Dhabi?
Al Wathba Salt Lake is in the Al Wathba area south-east of Abu Dhabi, near Al Bihouth and the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain road, about 50 km and 40 to 50 minutes from the city.
Is the Abu Dhabi salt lake free?
Yes. There is no entry fee and no ticket; it is an open, unmanaged site with no facilities.
Can a sedan reach Al Wathba Salt Lake?
Usually, in dry conditions, by staying on the firm track. A 4×4 is recommended, and you should not attempt the sandy track in a sedan after rain.
Can you swim in Al Wathba Salt Lake?
Swimming and wading are not advised: the water is very salty and the salt crust is sharp and fragile.
When is the best time to visit the salt lake?
From November to March, at sunrise or in the hour before sunset on a calm day, when the reflections are best.
Are the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes near the salt lake?
Yes. The Fossil Dunes Protected Area is close by, with a 7 km trail through more than 1,700 fossilised dunes.