All About the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes in Abu Dhabi
The UAE is a treasure trove of fascinating places where you can experience the wonders of nature like never before. One such gem is the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes in Abu Dhabi, a testament to the geographical history of this beautiful region. Want to know more about it and all the fun things you can do there? We’ve got all the scoop!
LOCATION
The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes in Abu Dhabi are located close to the Al Dhafra Military Air Base. It will take you around 40 minutes to drive from the Abu Dhabi International Airport to the fossil dunes via the E11 and E30 highways.
It is recommended to visit the dunes in a 4×4 due to traverse through the rough terrain. With other vehicles, it’s best to park aside and walk towards the fossil dunes.
OVERVIEW
Fossils take centuries to form after an organism is buried into the earth and subjected to eons of heat and pressure. Experts say that the formation of the fossil dunes in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, can be attributed to the same phenomenon – forming from the sediments that settled on the bottom when the entire region was underwater millions of years ago.
With time, these sediments were held together by minerals (mostly salt crystals). The wind and the calcium carbonate in the atmosphere worked to create these interesting formations and shapes that we see today. Each dune pattern is unique, owing to the different wind directions in the UAE.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE AL WATHBA FOSSIL DUNES IN ABU DHABI
Since it’s out in the open, the best time to visit the dunes is around October to February (unless you can handle the summer heat). Visitors usually camp until the early mornings or have picnics in the evenings. Relax away while you’re there!
THE DO’S AND DON’TS
Although you may be tempted to climb these dunes, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCE) has advised that visitors must avoid touching or disturbing these structures. It has taken centuries for them to form and are extremely fragile, leading them to break easily if too much pressure is applied. Also, it is recommended not to tamper with the area’s natural beauty with graffiti or carvings.
THINGS TO DO AT AL WATHBA FOSSIL DUNES ABU DHABI
ENJOY THE PHOTO WALK
Visiting the dunes is packed full of great photo opportunities. Grab your cameras or your smartphones and click away – the interesting patterns look absolutely spectacular and can make a stunning feed to spam your gram with!
MUSIC, LIGHT SHOW AND FOOD
You can also enjoy the music and light show which takes place throughout the opening hours and can be viewed from the amphitheatre, which can hold up to 200 visitors. Many foods and beverage trucks are parked in the dedicated areas, so you can grab a quick bite once you’re done exploring the dunes.
BASK IN THE BEAUTY OF THE FOSSIL DUNES
And to add to your overall experience, the facilities at the visiting centre include a viewing area and the gallery corner. You’ll find benches here where you can sit back and soak in the beauty of these dunes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO THE AL WATHBA FOSSIL DUNES IN ABU DHABI CHARGE ENTRANCE FEES?
There is no entrance fee to visit Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Abu Dhabi.
WHAT ARE THE CONTACT DETAILS FOR AL WATHBA FOSSIL DUNES IN ABU DHABI?
You can contact the visitor centre of Al Wathba fossil dunes at +971-55-110-2124.
WHAT OTHER PLACES CAN I EXPLORE IN THE AL WATHBA AREA?
You can explore the Al Wathba Desert, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and the Al Wathba Salt Lake.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER DESERTS I CAN CAMP AT IN THE UAE?
Yes, plenty! You can head to Liwa, Fossil Rock and Hatta for desert camping in the UAE.
And this brings us to the end of our guide to Al Wathba fossil dunes in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re up for watching flamingoes or revelling in the beauty of the earth, you have it all right here in Abu Dhabi.
Looking to explore the capital? There are many natural attractions in the UAE that you can visit.
