Travel Guide Jebel Dhanna

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has nearly 200 islands, sometimes remote, often entwined in the lagoon network. Three are accessible to visitors: Dalma, still inhabited by humans and the memory of pearl fishing, Sir Bani Yas, which has become an animal and hotel resort and Futaisi, with its Lilliputian bungalows and gazelles, a few miles from the capital.According to researchers, the Gulf had fully emerged at the time of the glacial maximum about 18,000 years ago. "Because of its shallow depth, its invasion by marine waters would hardly have begun until 12,000 BC," point out Paul Sanlaville and Rémi Dalongeville of the CNRS. The sea gradually regained possession of the basin and the transgression ended around 6,000 BC, when the coastal route faithfully followed the original topography and penetrated deeply into the depressions. Under the influence of prevailing winds (particularly the Shamal) and induced coastal drift, continental or shellfish sands formed arrows gradually isolating lagoons, while the finest sediments accumulated in the bays they tended to block. "This lagoon puzzle is open to today's visitor.On the way to the JebelIt's a cape, it's a peninsula! 2h30 from Abu Dhabi Corniche, halfway between the capital and the Saudi border to the west, at the steps of the harshest desert and near oil installations, the rocky outcrop of Ras Mughrij seems to monitor the movement of speed boats and tankers offshore. On the E11 expressway, vibrant traffic reflects the accelerated economic development of this strategic region of Al Gharbia province, with Ruwaïs black gold and road freight to the neighbouring kingdom.The approach to the sector, let's face it, is not a folichon. A giant construction site crossed by roads, high voltage lines and planted with cranes. But Jebel Dhanna knows how to turn his back on all this to better see the sea in front of him. From your hotel, isolated on a pretty beach, you will enjoy the marine view and the perspective on Sir Bani Yas. You will take the boat to join the oryx of the reserve or be tempted by the trip to Dalma.