Al Qudra & Desert Roads

Where Dubai's skyline disappears and the desert begins

Open road drivingDesert photographySunrise and sunset shootsEscaping the city

Al Qudra Road runs straight through the desert south of Dubai — 80 km of open road with nothing but dunes on both sides. It's the closest thing to a runway you'll find in the UAE, and it's where Dubai's supercar community goes when they want to actually drive rather than cruise. The road is smooth, the speed limit is 100-120 km/h, and the scenery shifts from city to desert in minutes. For content creators, the desert backdrop against a supercar is pure gold. For driving enthusiasts, Al Qudra is where you finally get to use third gear. The Al Qudra lakes area provides an unexpected oasis for photos.

The Experience

Leave Dubai heading south on Al Qudra Road (D63) early morning or late afternoon — midday desert heat makes everything shimmer and cars overheat. The first 20 km are the most photogenic, with pristine dunes on both sides. The Al Qudra lakes (Love Lakes from above) provide an unexpected photo opportunity — park at the designated areas and walk to the heart-shaped lakes. For a full desert experience, continue to the Last Exit Al Qudra food truck stop — it's quirky, photogenic, and a natural turnaround point. Speed cameras are frequent — don't test them.