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Al Wathba Fossil Dunes Night Tour
Step back into time and visit the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, a must-see for any Abu Dhabi trip. The area is protected and home to 1,700 fossil dunes that are over four million years old. With well lit paths and perfect skies for stargazing, this tour is especially unique during the night.
Highlights
6 hours
Walking
Car
Highlights
6 hours
Walking
Car
Day 1 highlights
Begin your journey through the 3-kilometre-long Al Wathba Fossil Dune trails that meander through natural marvels. Along the trail you'll be able to take in music and light shows in the amphitheatre, stop for a beverage at the food trucks and soak in art in the gallery.
From here, head to Al Sadeem Observatory because there is no better place to stargaze than the desert. Be sure to take in the beautiful skies and learn from the experts about the night sky.
To round off your evening, take a short journey to Al Wathba Luxury Collection Resort for dinner. Choose from a wide range of cuisines with many offering panoramic views of the dunes.
Stop 1
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.
You can also enjoy music and light shows which will take place throughout opening hours and can be viewed from the amphitheatre, which holds up to 200 visitors. The site will also feature various food and beverage trucks in dedicated areas. To enrich your experience, you can enjoy the facilities at the visitor centre, including the viewing area and the gallery corner, as well as benches and several areas to soak in the beauty of the wonderful site.
Read MoreGeologists 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.
You can also enjoy music and light shows which will take place throughout opening hours and can be viewed from the amphitheatre, which holds up to 200 visitors. The site will also feature various food and beverage trucks in dedicated areas. To enrich your experience, you can enjoy the facilities at the visitor centre, including the viewing area and the gallery corner, as well as benches and several areas to soak in the beauty of the wonderful site.
Stop 1
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.
You can also enjoy music and light shows which will take place throughout opening hours and can be viewed from the amphitheatre, which holds up to 200 visitors. The site will also feature various food and beverage trucks in dedicated areas. To enrich your experience, you can enjoy the facilities at the visitor centre, including the viewing area and the gallery corner, as well as benches and several areas to soak in the beauty of the wonderful site.
Read MoreGeologists 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.
You can also enjoy music and light shows which will take place throughout opening hours and can be viewed from the amphitheatre, which holds up to 200 visitors. The site will also feature various food and beverage trucks in dedicated areas. To enrich your experience, you can enjoy the facilities at the visitor centre, including the viewing area and the gallery corner, as well as benches and several areas to soak in the beauty of the wonderful site.
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Frequently asked questions about Al Wathba
What are the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes?
The Al Wathba Fossil Dunes in Abu Dhabi are waves of sand frozen in time - created by elemental forces nearly 120,000 to 150,000 years ago.
Are there snakes in the fossil sand dunes?
A range of species including snakes and scorpions are native to the UAE desert. While hard to spot, do not fear them and simply keep your distance in the event of seeing them.