Everything For a Trip to Explore Al Wathba Salt Lake
The Arab Emirates always surprised us with their ability to create miracles and beauty from their land, which would otherwise have ended up being just a barren land. Al Wathba is another miracle Abu Dhabi has created. It is gaining attention for its picturesque beauty, so let us dive into knowing more about Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba Salt Lake.
History of Al Wathba Salt Lake
As a part of building the Arab Paradise, the Late Sheikh Zayed who was the then ruler of Abu Dhabi invited Sir William Atkins to design a settlement for Arab people. With the help of Atkins, Zayed created the Wathba, Shahama and Bani Yas regions. People started settling here powered by the encouragement of King Zayed. He was a philanthropist with a vision for Abu Dhabi, rather than creating just settlements he also focused on creating an ecosystem for everyone.
Al Wathba Salt Lake is the most popular attraction Wathba has to offer, the arid coastal climate of the area was a factor helping in the creation of this artificial wonder. The lake is fed by water from pipes, and the salt reservoir in the land helped in the formation of the salt lake. Usually, it takes ages to form lotus-leafed salt structures, but in the case of the sudden appearance of such peculiar shapes is still a mystery. The most probable explanation that can make any sense is that the water flowing from the underground pipes must have cut through the salt deposit to create giant pads of crystalline salt.
How to Reach Walthba Salt Lake
The large neighbourhood of Al Wathba, which is to the south of the city, is only a 40-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city. Al Wathba is located along the Abu Dhabi-Al A in the motorway. There are two lakes to see at the location. One has a crystalline saline border and the other with lotus pod-shaped crystalline salt structure.
It is preferred if you travel in an SUV to travel through the off-road tracks. It is close to the Fossil Dunes site, so if you follow the road to Fossil Dunes or you travel taking the E65 route, it will be the most convenient path. If the E30 route is not closed you can also take this road and you will get a breathtaking sight of Al Wathba Wildlife Reserve. You can find the location on Google Maps, and follow the route.
Fun things to do at Walthba Salt Lake
Once you have hopped around the lake you can explore the locality around. Enjoy trying out the food stalls nearby with your friends and loved ones. If you are up for a little adventure and love nature you can camp overnight and enjoy hot barbecues. You can travel to the destination and meet people from different countries and connect. Don’t forget to enjoy the sunset view with your family and friends. The best experience will be to visit the place in the early morning and enjoy the sunrise or late evenings to watch the sunset. While you are here don’t forget to capture the moments. Take lots of pictures for your social media and share them with your friends on social media.
Al Wathba Nearby Attractions
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It was formerly a coastal salt flat (sabkha), which is now a natural man-made lake. It is now a natural ecosystem for animals, plants, and bird species. It is also a legally protected area and a Ramsar site. It is also the best spot to witness flamingos, there are two trails you can take to explore the area. Remember to take food and water as there won’t be any food joints in the location.
Fossil Dunes of Al Wathba
The breathtaking Al Wathba desert’s Fossil Dunes are entirely natural landscape formations formed by a combination of wind, sand, and time. The sand dunes were formed by the Interaction of strong winds on sand dunes and sediment supply. These unique sand dunes are like a masterpiece of art, they are made of different minerals, and cemented layers of salt crystals. Even though the sand dunes may look like they are frigid and strong, they are actually fragile and can collapse easily.
Al Wathba Cycle Track Lake
This pretty tiny man-made Al Wathba Cycle Track Lake is a fantastic picnic location for families. The lake contains a few islands in the centre, it is nestled around the rear of the Al Wathba Cycle Track and makes a great camping spot that is available 24 hours a day and is only for families. This is an excellent area for birding and wildlife viewing; however, no fishing or swimming is permitted.
Al Wathba Hill
Al Wadha Hill is a massive man-made hill that has the UAE flag proudly displayed on its top. Once you reached the top you will get an awesome view of the area. The hill is also a location that attracts running and cycling competitors.
FAQ
How was Al Wathba Salt Lake formed?
The Al Wathba Salt Lake in Abu Dhabi is man-made, with underground pipes feeding it. The salt comes from the salt flats known as'sabkha,' which are a byproduct of the area's arid coastal climate.
Why was Salt Lake built?
Brigham Young and a band of 148 Mormons founded the city in 1847 as a refuge from religious persecution, and it was known as Great Salt Lake City until 1868.
Abhinav Vasudevan
