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UAE geological park showcases nature's 93m-year evolution

Sharjah - Buhais Geology Park provides evidence of how local nature was formed at least 93 million years ago.

A geological park opened on Monday in Sharjah's central region, introducing visitors to the evolution of Sharjah's nature through 93 million years.
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Buhais Geology Park on Monday.
The park is one of the pioneering projects in the field of ecotourism, aimed at introducing visitors to the history of Sharjah's geology, and the geological importance of Jebel Buhais and the archaeological areas surrounding it.
The Sharjah Ruler toured the park and was briefed about the geological features and fossils it contained. He was also told about how Sharjah evolved through various geological periods.
A documentary, titled Sharjah Heritage Treasure, was shown at the opening ceremony, shining light on the geological factors that the emirate was exposed to throughout the ages. Several students presented a summary of fossils formed over millions of years to the Ruler.
Buhais Geology Park provides evidence of how local nature was formed at least 93 million years ago. The site has a wealth of fossilised remains of many ancient marine creatures that inhabited shallow seas.
The park includes two archaeological sites that have contributed to knowledge about the history of human settlement in this area, which dates back to more than 125,000 years.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Hana Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the Environment and Protected Area Authority which launched the project, said: "This will help experts and scientists from around the world to carry out studies in a well-prepared environment, as it is attached with a 3km walking path. The project can serve as a museum and learning centre in geology as many rocks here date back to millions of years.
"The park also showcases graves as old as 400,000 years, which show that people have lived here even before thousands of years."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com