Lake Zakher is a man-made lake that was formed by chance in the city of Al Ain, and was placed within the desalination system that was necessary in the development of the United Arab Emirates, which pumps sewage water underground, which in turn raises groundwater levels. The result was Lake Zakher, this distinctive desert oasis, which has become a rare water resource in the desert and a sanctuary for birds, attracting herons, flamingos, stilts, and many other species, not to mention the bird-watchers who flock here to see it.