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Fossil rock Sharjah
Fossil Rock is known for its 80 million-year-old marine fossils, carved into the bright red rocks of the desert. It is also a popular camping site, visitors can explore the hot desert and fossils during the day and bask under the stars on cooler nights. The area is also famous for its many archaeological sites. Fossil Rock is situated in the middle of the wild UAE desert, and you need to drive over sand dunes without proper roads to get there. It is located near Mleiha, an hour’s drive from Sharjah city.
Travelers can take a desert safari to Fossil Rock Sharjah for an unforgettable experience like camping, trekking, or hiking. The Rock formation reveals information about the planet and early life, with marine fossils dotting the crevices. Apart from this nearby Mleiha Archaeological Centre also offers guided treks, offering visitors to understand the history of the UAE. Fossil Rock UAE is also one of the best places on the Sharjah map for a desert camp. The place is the most scenic mountain trail in the UAE, go dune driving on the shifting sands, and stargaze under the night sky. This is a must-see destination for nature, history, and adventure lovers.
Geology and Hiking trail
When Traveller heading out of Sharjah city towards Kalba, you will see a spectacular point, known as Fossil Rock. Millions of years ago much of Arabia was under the ocean and fossils here are to be over 80 million years old. At Fossil Rock, one can enjoy clear blue skies, rocky hills, and pristine desert sand in one of the UAE’s natural wonders. One short, steep vertical rock-climbing section might be difficult for hikers, There is no shade on this route so it is recommendable to start early morning or late afternoon. Hiking in Sharjah is dangerous, it is required well-equipped facilities along most of the emirate’s walks. Make sure to keep plenty of water at hand, a small medical kit may be useful.
Attraction near Fossil Rock Sharjah
A serene Sharjah beach
Sharjah beach’s 3-kilometer crescent-shaped beach hosts endless activity in the water, from fishing and diving to parasailing and kayaking. It is one of the most popular tourist places and weekend getaways in the UAE. Travelers love to take a day trip here for a pleasant holiday. Lined with palm trees and faces glittering waters. Explore the water with a relaxing swim or with boat and jet ski rentals. One can also take sailing, scuba diving, or snorkeling near Shark Island, which is just a short boat ride from the beach.
Al Qurm Nature Reserve
Al Qurm Nature Reserve is a must-visit wildlife sanctuary in UAE with over 500 hectares of protected mangroves. The mangroves house rare bird species, sea turtles, and mammals. Surrounded by an abundance of avian and aquatic life, one can spot the endangered Arabian-collared kingfishers flying over the mangroves, or hawksbill and green turtles nesting on the nearby beach. Travelers here can experience camping in the UAE, and stay overnight at the reserve.
Also read- The Franz Josef Glacier- The World’s Most Accessible Glacier
Buhais Geological Park
The attraction is worth visiting for its design alone, with 5 interconnecting pods consisting fossils of from the area. Visitors can see model-based interactive displays that explore Sharjah’s mountains and sand dunes, and learn about the origins of the limestone mountain ranges of Jebel Buhais. Geo lovers also have the opportunity to explore local rocks and fossils. The facility features a ramp leading to a central hub and exhibition areas, and an outdoor trail that links the pods. The trail incorporates viewing areas, walkways across geological sites, unusual rock formations, and ancient burial grounds.
How to Reach Fossil rock Sharjah
Fossil park is 70 kilometers from Dubai and 200 kilometers from Abu Dhabi. One can take a bus from Dubai to Fossil Rock via Al Ghubaiba Bus Station 47.
