Pictures: Al Wathba fossil dunes in Abu Dhabi

Al Wathba reserve, with rare 120,000-year-old fossil dunes, opens to the public. The Protected Area, located 45 kilometres to the East of Abu Dhabi city and comprising more than 1,700 fossil dunes, is spread over 7 square kilometres.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), inaugurated the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area.

Experts estimate the fossil formations date back to the Ice Ages, which began 2.4 million years ago and lasted until 11,500 years ago. .

Fossil dunes are listed in the third category of natural reserves or geological features by the International Union of Conservation of Nature, which sheds light on environmental conservation and natural resource sustainability. Al Wathba Fossil Dunes have also been nominated to be listed in the UNESCO’s Global List of Geoparks.

The illuminated paths of up to 3 km in length back and forth with several umbrellas and seats for rest and recreation.

Fossil dunes are outcrops of lightly cemented, cross-bedded dune sands, formed by the deposits of calcium carbonate and other salts from ground water during the glacial period. The formations in Al Wathba area derive their shape from the interaction between wind force and sediment supply.

Sheikh Hamdan said, "The inauguration of the Fossil Dunes Protected Area comes with the aim of protecting the natural heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and encouraging eco-tourism. 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."

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. The site will also feature various food and beverage trucks in dedicated areas.

The Agency recently implemented a comprehensive plan to develop and protect the fossil dunes site in Al Wathba, covering the site's infrastructure and constructing several service and tourist facilities, such as the visitors' centre. EAD also installed signposts and created trails and paths for visitors and completed internal and external fences that stretch for a total of 7 kilometres, in addition to completing the internal road network.

Abu Dhabi emirate also includes 13 other terrestrial protected areas, and six marine areas that are protected by law, including the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve that lies north of the fossil dunes.

Ahead of its opening, the EAD has also called upon visitors to protect the rare natural heritage site.

The Protected Area will receive its visitors starting from Saturday, February 5th throughout the week, from 8:00 until 22:00 and on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and official holidays, the site will be open until 23:00 in the evening granting free entry and a unique model of eco-tourism.