Fossil Rock in Sharjah is impressive and rugged. Named after wonderfully preserved marine invertebrate fossils that can be found on its slopes. Up above, apart from breathtaking scenery, such a hostile and barren landscape is truly astonishing. It is a landscape of sheer vastness of the desert meeting veritable treasure – geological trove.
If you have ever driven the Sharjah-Kalba highway you will know what an interesting journey it is. Stopping by to take the photos of the spectacular mountain ridge-line rising out of the desert only scratches the surface of what the area offers.
1. ITS FOSSILS ARE FROZEN IN TIME
To understand why we can find so many marine invertebrate fossils around Fossil Rock, it is necessary to look at the geology of this place. 70 million years ago volcanic activity formed the Hajar mountains, in the United Arab Emirates standing nearly 2,000 metres above sea level. These mountains were still partly covered by the sea and the evidence is found in the beds of sedimentary rocks, in particular limestone. In the shallow bays of warm sea between the mountain tops, a unique diversity of invertebrate animals existed, ranging from sea urchins to gastropods and corals.
Many of these animals that once inhabited the region of the United Arab Emirates have become extinct. That is why Fossil Rock in Sharjah has such huge importance.
2. IT’S CRADLE OF CIVILISATION
Right next to the geological phenomenon of Fossil Rock, there are important archaeological sites in Mleiha from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, pre-Islamic, Islamic and modern ages. Mleiha’s archaeological value derives from the earliest human settlers 130,000 years ago. The traces that they left uncovered during excavations provide nowadays an archeological treasure – propounding concrete evidence that Mleiha was indeed a cradle for civilization.
The nearby Mleiha Archaeological Centre offers visitors a deeper understanding of the history of the United Arab Emirates and early life in the desert.
3. IT BRINGS A REWARDING VIEW AFTER HIKE
Numerous hiking route options around Fossil Rock will allow you to reach the plateau at the top. The summit is a rugged cliff that begs for you to stand on it and experience nature’s sheer beauty and power, surrounded by breathtaking views of the desert. If you drive a 4×4 car, you may park it here: 25°08’39.1″N 55°50’06.2″E and start climbing the steep slope to the top.
There are no marks and the rocks are loose so make sure to have proper shoes and be careful about your every step. Alternatively, if you do not have a 4×4 car you can leave it here: 25°10’02.5″N 55°50’29.9″E and start hiking from the highway. This route will take longer to reach the top, but it is so rewarding.
The best times to do this hike is from October to May. Make sure to bring plenty of water. During the summer months expect dryness and hot weather, considering you are in the middle of the desert.
4. IT’S GOOD FOR OVERNIGHT CAMPING ADVENTURE
There is plenty of space with a spectacular view around Fossil Rock to set up your camp. If you do not have a 4×4 car, you can camp in this area, close to the road: 25°08’44.2″N 55°52’01.1”E. It is a nice area overviewing the desert and Fossil Rock in the background. If you drive a 4×4 car, you can choose the side closer to the highway, where the sand fades away and the ground is covered with gravel: 25°09’52.9″N 55°50’32.1″E.
5. IT’S A DESERT OFF-ROADING PARADISE
It is a landscape of ever-changing endless dunes that are so inviting to drive through with your 4×4 car. The area around Fossil Rock is especially a popular site for off-roaders. More about off-roading in this region I wrote in this article: 4 ULTIMATE BEGINNER OFF-ROAD DESERT TRAILS IN UAE
These are 5 things that you need to know about Fossil Rock in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The secrets of this fascinating area will remain unknown to those that choose to stay in their vehicles.
If you want to get more familiar with the area, you can check the video from my trip to Fossil Rock below:
REMEMBER:
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile it will attract animals. It may make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind and make them sick.
- Have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – in the end, you are saving nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas, the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over a campfire, use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around the United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eQMBbr
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://www.fieldguidetoemirates.com
I hope you found this article about Fossil Rock helpful and it gave you an idea of where to head to next weekend. If you are looking for more interesting places nearby, I recommend you to check: Top 4 Ultimate Beginner Off-Road Desert Trails in the UAE or Woodlands of Ras Al Khaimah Desert
