Is BBQ allowed at Al Qudra Lakes? Rules, fines and where to grill

Is BBQ allowed at Al Qudra Lakes? In short: a barbecue in a stand or fire pit, not on the sand, is the safe reading of what has been published, while overnight camping and bonfires at the lake edge are not. This is general guidance, not legal advice. Rules can change, so follow posted signs and check the official sources before you go.

For the whole permits picture, read our camping rules and permits guide. For parks with BBQ areas, see BBQ spots near Dubai.

1. The short answer

In December 2017 Dubai Municipality put up signs banning camping, bonfires and barbecues at Al Qudra Lake, with a AED 500 fine that doubled for repeat offences. It later clarified that a barbecue in a stand (not on the sand) was acceptable. We have not found any official reversal since.

The safest reading is: do not camp overnight at the lake edge, and do not light anything on the sand. Press guides still list Al Qudra among popular camping places, so you will find conflicting advice online. When in doubt, ask Dubai Municipality (nrs@dm.gov.ae, info@dm.gov.ae or 800 900). Day visits are different: picnics, cycling, photography and sunset are all fine, with free entry.

2. The rules in a list

• No fires directly on the sand. Use a fire pit or a stand. A portable fire pit is AED 63 at Zad.
• Distances. Published guidance says to keep lights and heat at least 50 cm from tent fabric, and store firewood at least 15 feet (about 5 m) from tents. No open flames inside a tent.
• Never cut or burn desert trees. Ghaf is the UAE national tree, and penalties for cutting trees can be severe (older coverage cited fines of up to AED 50,000). Bring bought firewood instead: medium AED 40, large AED 70.
• Put it out completely. Soak the embers and stir until cold. Wind carries sparks a long way.
• Take everything out with you, including ash and food scraps.
• Noise: keep music low. Sound carries over water and across open desert.

3. Fines at a glance

These are figures reported in the press and on official signs, not a legal schedule. Follow posted signs and check the official sources.

4. Where to grill

At Al Qudra: day-time BBQ on a stand, set well back from the water, the lake edge and any vegetation, and no overnight camping at the lakes. If a ranger or a sign tells you to stop, stop.

In a public park: Dubai Municipality manages public parks where barbecue areas are available. Press guides name Mushrif National Park, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Zabeel Park, Creek Park and Safa Park. At Jumeirah Beach Park, grilling on the sand is not allowed and designated spots must be used. Check fees and grill rules first. The full list is in BBQ spots near Dubai.

At an official winter camp: Dubai Municipality runs designated winter camps at Al Aweer. The 2025 season ran from 1 November to 30 April, for family use. At the time of writing we have not seen the 2026-27 notice, so check the municipality website.

5. Before you turn in

There are no shops inside the lakes area. Zad at the Last Exit sells charcoal, firewood, grills and ice, open 24/7, so you buy before you turn in. Prefer it packed? The Lake BBQ Box (AED 125, for 4 to 6) and the BBQ Refill (AED 65, bring your own grill) can be ordered for pickup. Quantities are in our firewood and charcoal guide, and the cool-season plan is in winter BBQ nights at Al Qudra.

Frequently asked questions

Zad Food Store is open 24/7 at the Last Exit, Al Qudra Road (Seih Al Salam), Dubai, the last stop before the desert since 2013.