The ethereally beautiful Al Wathba Fossil Dunes remind guests of the emirate’s stories geological past, having been forged over the past 120,000 years.
Located a short distance from the Al Wathba Wildlife Reserve, an expansive area covering more than 1,700 of the fossil dunes has now been designated as a protected landmark. The reserve features a visitor centre, a viewing area, an amphitheatre and 7kms of hike-able trails that feature educational signage that explain the origins and cultural significance of the sand relics.
The move comes as part of a cohesive, emirate-wide project that displays and celebrates the important artefacts of the UAE’s heritage, and to help protect theme for future generations to enjoy.
Technically called lithified sand dunes, the type seen at Al Wathba were created from cross-bedded dunes, formed from ground water depositing layers of chalk and other salts during the glacial period. The formations found in the area take their shape from specific patters of water and wind erosion.
