Al-Asfar Lake

Al-Asfar Lake is an artificial lake located in al-Ahsa governorate in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It consists mainly of treated wastewater and irrigation water in the middle of a sandy area. It is considered the largest body of water of its kind among the sand dunes in the Arabian Gulf.

Al-Asfar lake is located five km east of Umran city in al-Ahsa governorate, Eastern Province. The lake is a crucial rest stop for many birds since it attracts migratory birds twice a year while flying from north to south and vice versa.

Al-Asfar lake acquired international fame as a site with integrated wildlife that combines desert, plant cover, and water. It is a part of the irrigation system dedicated to feeding al-Ahsa Oasis, one of the UNESCO natural landmarks registered.

Aerial view of al-Asfar lake, al-Ahsa governorate. (Saudipedia)

In the Eastern Province, the lake is considered a favorite tourist destination for families to hike and camp, and an ideal place to enjoy a picnic on the shores of the lake, which covers twelve km along sand dunes. It is fed mainly by the treated water from the irrigation and drainage project in al-Ahsa, and it relies on the drainage system through open drains, which protects the area from swamps.

Migrating, passing, and winter birds land in the lake, and it is home to a variety of bird species, most notably little loons, white-eared bulbul, and shoveler, in addition to endemic birds, such as little Podiceps and Moorhens. Desert plants grow around it like calligonum, ferns, anabasis, and tamarisk. Moreover, sea turtles, amphibians, waterweeds, and algae breed in the environment of al-Asfar lake.

In 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced, according to an environmental plan to preserve and develop wildlife in the Kingdom, the transformation of al-Asfar lake geographical area into a natural reserve under the ministry's supervision. It covers an area of ​​about 326,326,201 m, with the aim of preserving its environmental resources by applying environmental regulations.