MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Asfar Lake, a vast landscape teeming with bird and wildlife, is an important site on the route of many migratory birds.
Owing to its beauty and natural landscape, the lake is frequented by hikers, tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset. (SPA)
A tourist guide in the region, Deif Ahmed, told Arab News that Al-Asfar is one of the most important destinations for tourism in Al-Ahsa Governorate.
The lake dates back hundreds of years and has about 162 springs, he added. Al-Haql Spring, for example, produces about 80,000 liters of water per minute. Together with the Al-Khodoud Spring and others, fresh water moves into the Thmahlab River on its way to the lake.
Rolling sand dunes around Al-Asfar lake offer visitors an ideal vantage point to watch the sunset and wildlife. (SPA)
Ahmed said that the spring water was known to be sweet and fresh, and was once collected and used by locals.
Bedouins used to set up tents around the lake, he added. The green flats around the lake could be used to feed sheep and camels.
The lake dates back hundreds of years and has about 162 springs. (SPA)
In 1970, King Faisal ordered the establishment of a project to collect spring water pouring into the lake, to be used for palm irrigation in Al-Ahsa, Ahmed said.
The governorate had 11 million palm trees at the time.
The drainage and irrigation project guides water from the springs to palm trees and farmers in Al-Ahsa. The remaining water runs through agricultural drainage channels to Al-Asfar Lake.
Ahmed said that migratory birds stay around the lake because of the abundance of fish.
The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset, he added.
Nearby, rolling sand dunes offer visitors an ideal vantage point to watch the sunset, Ahmed said.
