AD eco body ups protection of Al Wathba fossil dunes

These fossil dunes have been classified as lithified sand dunes under EAD’s Habitat Map and serve as an important habitat for many wildlife species

ABU DHABI

The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) continues to implement a comprehensive plan to develop and protect Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, which includes developing the site’s infrastructure, services and tourism facilities and work to declare the site as a natural reserve to protect the emirate’s natural heritage and encourage eco-tourism.

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

Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary-General, said, “Abu Dhabi is rich with a unique diversity of environments, habitats, and scenic natural formations. Among these are the fossil dunes of Al Wathba. These distinctive and rather rare sand formations are densely located in the Al Wathba area to the south of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. These fossil dunes, which are also present in other areas of the emirate, have been classified as lithified sand dunes under EAD’s Habitat Map and serve as an important habitat for many wildlife species.”