Experience the natural wonders of Abu Dhabi.
Join us as we visit Al Wathba and create beautiful photos to share on your social media and gather several likes as you wowed them with your unforgettable photos.
Don’t forget to take a selfie of the alluring Fossil dunes which were sculptured for millions of years. Show off the magnificent salt lake with your astounding pose.
Be one with nature as you walk and appreciate the wetland Reserved during winter days.
Al Wathba Fossil Dunes
Located 45 kilometres to the east of Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Protected Area comprises of more than 1,700 fossil dunes, spread over 7 square kilometres, making it one of the largest numbers of fossil dunes concentrated in one location in the emirate.
Geologists estimate the age of fossil formations within the protected location at over four million years. At the reserve you can enjoy the natural marvels of the area, by walking the well-lit trails, which extend to 3 kilometres both ways and are surrounded by benches and shades for relaxing.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is the first area in Abu Dhabi designated for protection by law. Once a coastal salt flat (sabkha), it has now flourished into natural and man-made lakes that enable many of Abu Dhabi’s species to thrive. In 2018, the reserve was placed on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas making it the first site in the region to receive this recognition.
The reserve is known for its large population of Greater Flamingos – home to an average number of 4,000 flamingos during autumn and spring. It also hosts more than 250 species of birds, 37 plant species and a wide range of aquatic life. The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve features two self-guided walking trails for visitors to explore and a bird-watching hide to observe the flamingos. It’s the perfect spot for families and children to reconnect with nature and catch rare sightings of flamingos and preserved wildlife.
Al Wathba Long Salt Lake
Al Wathba Salt Lake in Abu Dhabi is man-made, with pipes from underground feeding it. The salt comes from the salt flats called ‘sabkha’ that are a by-product of the arid coastal climate of the area.
The giant pads of salt that form an aesthetic stepping stone feature in the lake generally take years to develop naturally. The only possible explanation for their mysterious existence is that the artificially fed water somehow cuts its way through the already existing salt and mineral deposits underneath the surface sand – creating these gorgeous crystalline salt pads.
