In the middle of the desert, a one-hour drive from the center of the capital Abu Dhabi, a traditional village has been reconstructed that combines traditional Arabian Mashrabiya style and Bedouin culture
Rough architecture in the desert: Al Wathba is a square of stone in the middle of the sand
We leave the city behind. As the outline of Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers fades behind us, the car enters the desert, following a wide road that bisects the sand. It takes an hour’s drive to arrive at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi. A rough, clear stone geometry emerges from the ground. It looks like a mirage. As you pass through the entrance gate and arrive at the central lobby, you realize that this is a real oasis.
Al Wathba Resort & Spa Abu Dhabi: the reconstruction of an Arabian village
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi, part of the Marriott Group, features a design reminiscent of a desert village. It combines traditional Arabian Mashrabiya style and Bedouin culture. One constant: rough, beige-colored stone. The 103 rooms and the independent villas are forged from it, as well as the fountains that intersperse the landscape with water features; the planters that house bamboo canes and lush local plants; the low walls and arches that mark the path to the central area.
Modern suites and villas offer total privacy. A private pool and jacuzzi are located on the covered patio. Off the patio, a small path leads to a pergola arranged on the sand. Couches for conversation and a Bedouin-style rug. Beyond is only the desert. Overhead, a starry sky looms at night.
Mashrabiyya: how the natural forced ventilation device often used in traditional architecture in Arab countries works
Interspersed with the rigor of stone are architectural decorations, vases arranged in wall niches, wooden street lamps, and street signs. The mashrabiyya system reminds us where we are. This is a natural forced ventilation device used in traditional architecture in Arab countries. Used in both public buildings and private residences, it is a system made of wooden grates that can ensure indoor thermal hygrometric comfort. Inserted between loggias and balconies, it was in fact a window from which one could look out of one’s home, without being able to see inward from the street – designed to protect the family sphere, but also from the sun while maintaining a shaded area inside. This rectangular wooden weave was finely carved inside following a precise geometric or floral pattern.
The origin of the word mashrabiyya is unclear. One theory has it that it is a variation of the word ‘mashrafiyya’, which comes from the verb ‘ashrafa’, ‘to observe’. Over time and the assimilation of non-Arab speakers, the word would have evolved into what we know today. Another theory holds instead that it is a derivation from the triconsonantal root Š-R-B, shariba, to drink, referring to the room in which people used to have tea. This seems to be the most accepted theory, supported by the architect Hassan Fathy – eminent on the subject of typical Arab architecture since thanks to him Egypt rediscovered nterest in mashrabiyya in the last century.
Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi – the pool area and restaurants
The centerpiece of Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi is the large central pool. The water is bordered by palm trees and cocoons. The desert wind makes its curtains move. At sunset, when the sun goes to rest behind the sand, the sky turns pink and becomes a watercolor reflected in the pool. From the pool bar and restaurant areas you watch the show.
Six restaurants and lounges at Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa offer traditional recipes from Levantine, Moroccan, Arabic cuisine. Italian too, in the Terra Secca restaurant. The interior design is inspired by European warmth and style, and a display of Italian products. On the outdoor terrace, one gets in touch with the breeze and tranquil atmosphere of the desert.
Al Wathba Wetland Reserve was the first legally protected nature reserve in Abu Dhabi
The nearest village is Al Wathba. After Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the Ruler of the Emirates of Abu Dhabi in 1966, he pledged to further develop the Emirates by investing in health, education and infrastructure. As part of his plan to develop the city of Abu Dhabi, in the 1980s he invited Sir William Atkins (founder of Atkins, one of the largest engineering consultancies in the United Kingdom) to plan the development of Abu Dhabi in neighboring territories as well. A number of local Bedouins and immigrants from other parts of the Arabian Peninsula then began to settle in satellite areas.
A lush area, thanks to its humidity. A short distance from the village and resort is the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, established in 1998. This area was once an expanse of coastal salt marsh – sabkha – while now it is presented as a series of natural and man-made lakes in which many local species are born. In 2018 the area was included in the IUCN Green List of protected and conserved areas, the first site in the region to receive this recognition.
The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is known for a large population of pink flamingos, averaging 4,000 individuals in spring and fall. It is also home to 250 species of birds, 37 species of plants and a wide range of aquatic fauna.
Forty-five kilometers east of Abu Dhabi, the Al Wathba Fossil Dunes
In addition to the nature reserve, Al Wathba is known for the Fossil Dunes. This is a protected area that includes more than 1,700 fossil dunes scattered over an area of 7 square kilometers. This makes it one of the richest fossil dune reserves concentrated in one place in the Emirates. Geologists estimate that the fossil formations in this protected area date back more than four million years. Here, the natural elements of the area can be explored by walking along trails that stretch three kilometers in two directions, with benches and shaded areas to relax.
Al Wathba – Camel racing has been part of the UAE’s heritage for many decades
The prerogative is to experience the desert. Adventurous activities offered by Al Wathba Resort & Spa include camel riding. An activity especially expressive of the tradition of the place.
Camels were considered fellow travelers and were loved by the Bedouins. These animals have always been an means of trasportation and a means of supply for Emiratis. In the ancient UAE, camel racing was a way to celebrate a special occasion or holiday. Over the past five decades it has evolved to become one of the richest sports in the world. The winners of the camel race are entitled to cash rewards up to a million dollars.
There are 15 camel racetracks in the United Arab Emirates. One of these, the Al Wathba Camel Racetrack, is located fifteen kilometers from the hotel. The camel racing season runs from October to March, with races scheduled every weekend of the season. The main camel racing event includes a two-day event that brings together camel racing enthusiasts and celebrates the sport.
Matteo Mammoli
