You can start visiting Al Wathba Fossil Dune in Abu Dhabi this Saturday.
One of Abu Dhabi’s most visited and photographed attractions, the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, will once again be welcoming visitors from this Saturday (5 February).
Thanks to a protected area zone, visitors will be able to view the natural marvels from a safe distance.
The first of its kind in the country and one of the first in West Asia, the protected area located 45km to the east of the capital, offers up to some 1,700 fossil dunes, spread over seven square kilometres.
Hamdan bin Zayed inaugurates Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area in Abu Dhabi#WamNews https://t.co/T3lwYQ4RBU pic.twitter.com/2pNqwMEA76
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) February 1, 2022
An initiative by The Environmental Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the area is a part of a comprehensive plan to develop and protect the site which includes visitors’ centre, trails and paths.
Visitors can also enjoy music and light shows which will take place throughout opening hours and can be viewed from the amphitheatre area, which holds up to 200 visitors.
There will be an educational aspect to the site with numerous awareness and guiding posters, and the latest publications by EAD being made available.
The site which has been nominated to be listed in UNESCO’s Global List of Geoparks, will also feature various food and beverage trucks in dedicated areas.
Speaking at the inauguration, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the area will protect the natural heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and encourage eco-tourism.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “Abu Dhabi is rich and offers a unique diversity in its environments, habitats and natural features with impressive natural formations, including the wonderful fossil dunes.
“These dunes are composed of rare sand formations densely located in Al Wathba area, to the south of Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and can also be found in other areas in the emirate.
“These fossil dunes have been classified EAD’s Habitat Map and serve as an important habitat for several wildlife species.”
You can visit Al Wathba’s Fossil Dunes from Monday to Thursday from 8am to 10pm and Friday to Sunday from 8am to 11pm.
The news is the latest measure inaugurated by the EAD who has released a new sustainability app.
The BADDR app will see you rewarded with points that can be redeemed at participating vendors when you complete a positive environmental action.
For the latest sustainability news in Abu Dhabi, follow Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life
