Wadi Al Nahyan
Pushed up from the seabed millions of years ago, Jebel Hafeet does not just dominate the landscape around Al Ain, but is a fascinating geological feature. Here geologists can study Eocene and Oligocene rocks, and novices, when knowing what to look for, can find many examples of marine fossils. Wadi Al Nahyan, just behind Green Mubazzarah, is an excellent place to explore the lower slopes of Jebel Hafeet, and one does not have to be an experienced hiker to do so.
The mountain’s colours range from a pale beige to a warm honeycomb, and is essentially a monochrome landscape that, if it was not for the constant changes in texture, could easily have been described as bleak. The intricate textures of the different rock formations provide stark contrasts with the intense blue of the winter sky.
Winter in the UAE is a fantastic time to be outdoors, and hiking in Wadi Al Nahyan provides an excellent opportunity to commune with nature without going far. It is also an easy hike that leads towards a dry waterfall and welcome shade, as the winter sun holds enough heat to make for a hot, sweaty experience. If one is lucky and hike here early in the morning, one can even get a glimpse of the two Egyptian Vultures that live here.
* For more photographs of Wadi Al Nahyan click here.
** GPS co-ordinates for Green Mubazzarah and the ‘entrance’ to Wadi Al Nahyan: N24° 06′ 02.5″ / E55° 44′ 58.1″
*** Cheryl Dance from Al Ain Weekends lead many hiking trips during the winter season. Link to their Facebook page to know what is happening.
Beautiful photos, it reminds me a little of Death Valley. SD
Thank you Sandra.
Would love to go fossil hunting there 🙂
What are you waiting for? The weather is absolutely perfect at the moment! 🙂
Oooooh, how great would that be… but I’ve already got two holidays booked over the next couple of months, I may not get away with a third one! Or rather, my bank account wont, lol.
I know that feeling all too well. So many places to see, so little money . . .