Al-Asfar Lake
بحيرة الأصفر
A desert lake formed by surplus oasis irrigation water, ringed by golden dunes and reed wetlands, where migratory birds gather in winter; good for off-roading and sunsets.
Al-Asfar Lake lies in the Umm Ran area in the northeast of the Al-Ahsa Oasis. It is a lake and wetland formed by drainage from oasis farmland, surrounded by rolling golden sand dunes, which gave it its name. It is part of the Al-Ahsa Oasis World Heritage property. Reeds line the shore, and in winter flamingos, herons and other migratory birds can be seen, making it an important wetland in eastern Saudi Arabia. Most visitors go with local guides in 4WD vehicles for dune driving, watching the sunset from the dunes, and camping. There are no developed visitor facilities at the lake, so bring your own drinking water, and always use 4WD and travel in groups when driving on sand.
Opening hours
Open all day (sunset visits recommended)
Nearby sights
- Jawatha Mosque
- Jabal Al-Qarah
- Al-Ahsa Oasis Palm Groves
- Ain Umm Sab'a
- Qasr Sahood
- Al-Qaisariya Souq
- Qasr Ibrahim
- Bayt Al-Bay'ah (House of Allegiance)