Nothing can prepare you for the sight you’ll see at the Al Ahsa National Park, with a shallow wetland in the middle of the desert. A postcard-worthy picture is what you’re in for, something to write home about. In the vast expanse of shimmering brown is this gorgeous blue Al Asfar Lake, popularly known as Yellow Lake Al Ahsa, which is a must-visit for all. Being Saudi Arabia’s hidden gem, there aren’t a lot of people who know of this place, so now that you do, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat to this tourist spot and marvel at the beauty of nature.
Al Asfar Lake (Yellow Lake)
Being the most extensive water body and agricultural center in Saudi Arabia has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, not many knew about it until now. With a beautiful sight of a lake surrounded by sand dunes, greenery and various animal species, you’ll definitely be mesmerized. This lake within Al Ahsa National Park was created with rainwater, which is another factor that makes it quite a marvel for many. Your trip here will include several highlights, but one of the most special ones would be to look down at this lake from the top of a sand dune. This is an experience you won’t find at other lakes in Saudi Arabia.
During the breeding season, you can see the winter birds migrating here for some refuge, which is a sight to behold. Apart from this, there are several other animal and bird species here that will keep you entertained throughout your visit.
This lake is one of the 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Al Ahsa region, covering an area of around 20,000 hectares. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has declared this lake as a natural reserve.
Here’s a little about the Yellow Lake Saudi Arabia.
Location: East of Umran city, in Al-Hasa, Eastern Saudi Arabia
How to reach: You can only reach this lake via a four-wheeler that can travel on the sandy terrain of the desert. This lake is located around 13 km East of Omran.
Best time to visit: November to February is the best time to visit Al Asfar Lake as the weather’s slightly cooler and pleasant.
Suggested Read: Historical Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia: Diving Deeper into the History and Heritage
Things to Do at The Yellow Lake in Al Ahsa
There’s a lot to do at Al Ahsa’s Yellow Lake that will make your trip an enriching and memorable one. So, when you do plan on traveling here, make sure that you take out time to indulge in the things to do in Saudi Arabia that this place offers.
- Camp near the lake for a memorable night
- Enjoy stargazing at night with your loved ones
- Swim in the shallow water of the lake
- Watch the lake change colors in summers and winters
- Indulge in a desert safari and marvel at the splendid views
- Go for a boat ride in winters to witness the flora and fauna
Attractions Near Yellow Lake
When it comes to the places to visit in Saudi Arabia, the Yellow Lake Saudi should be on the top of your list because of the mesmerizing views it offers. However, once you visit this place, there are several other attractions you can explore, such as:
- Al Qarah Mountain
- King Abdullah Environmental Park
- Ibrahim Palace
- Land of Civilizations
- Hubail Lake
Restaurants near Al Asfar Lake Saudi Arabia
After an exciting day at the Yellow Lake, you’re bound to be hungry. So, here are some of the restaurants in Saudi Arabia that are perfect for a quick bite or a complete feast, depending on your mood.
- Village Family Restaurant
- AlKeet Restaurant
- Flavors Restaurant, Al Ahsa
- Al Haram Pakistani Restaurant
- Almahar seafood restaurant
Also Read: Top Restaurants in Riyadh: To Delight Your Senses with a Finger-Licking Experience
Travel Tips
Here are a few travel tips that will be useful on your trip to the Yellow Lake, so do keep these in mind.
- Be careful when swimming in the lake, especially in winter when the lake’s depth reaches 2 m below the water surface
- Don’t stay till late in the evening if you don’t have any provisions to stay the night
- Avoid traveling here during nighttime as the roads are tricky
- Stay hydrated the entire time
- Wear comfortable shoes that are ideal for a desert terrain
Suggested Read: New Year 2024 in Saudi Arabia: Discover A Luxurious Way of Celebration
Since the Saudi Tourism Authority has listed the Yellow Lake Al Ahsa as one of the unique tourist experiences in the country, its tourist influx has increased. This gives you even more of a reason to visit this tourist spot and click postcard-worthy pictures. This lake is more than just a place where you can idly sit by, as you can enjoy a variety of activities here including camping, desert safari, and much more. The exotic animal and bird species here are also one of the reasons why you should spend some time here and enjoy the desert landscape of the country. So, book our Saudi Arabia tour packages and get ready for a splendid experience.
Yellow Lake Al Ahsa FAQs
Al Asfar or Yellow Lake is the biggest lake in Saudi Arabia. It spans across 20,000 hectares and is also the largest and oldest agriculatural centres.
The Yellow Lake is located in the East of Umran city, in Al-Hasa, Eastern Saudi Arabia. It’s approximately 13 km East of Umran city.
You can enjoy camping, stargazing, swimming, desert safari, boating, and much more. It’s the perfect retreat for families, couples, and friends.
Yellow Lake Saudi Arabia is special because of its location in the middle of the sand dunes, offering a picture-perfect view to the tourists. Its color changing property is also a unique aspect.
It's believed that since this lake is surrounded by desert, the yellow hue of the same is reflected in the water, which is why it is named the Yellow Lake.
Yellow Lake is a must-visit tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia and even the Saudi Tourism Authority has declared this place as a unique experience.
