Scientists from the Saudi Geological Survey found bones of an enormous marine lizard more than 80 million years old after a 10-day dig in a Red Sea coastal region.
The findings represent the first record of marine life from the Paleogene period to be found in the area.
The excavation along the Red Sea coast unearthed samples spanning from the late Cretaceous period to the Eocene period — about 45 million to 80 million years ago, a statement by the Red Sea Development Company said on Tuesday.
About half of the sites surveyed produced rare fossils, with researchers expecting to discover many more on later digs.
Scientists also found fossilised remains of sea cows, crocodiles and turtles, as well as bones of mosasaurs, a family of giant marine lizards commonly referred to as The T-Rex of the Sea that lived between 66 million and 80 million years ago. They could grow up to 18 metres in length and 14 tonnes in weight.
The team recorded some marine vertebrates for the first time in the area — including remains of one of the largest turtles to have inhabited the region, the statement said.
These findings come in addition to an earlier discovery of a partial plesiosaur skull at the site.
Scientists said the latest revelations prove that 16 million to 20 million years ago the Red Sea's was 200 metres deeper than it is today.
Seawater is thought to have reached as far as 100 kilometres inland from the shoreline today.
In addition to paleontological findings, researchers identified signs of prehistoric human activity among the rocks of the crystalline basement at The Red Sea Project.
These signs were in the form of rock art thought to be petroglyphs produced by an as yet yet unidentified civilisation.
Abdullah Shamrani, chief executive of the Saudi Geological Survey, said: “The rare finds from the central coastal areas of the Red Sea tell fascinating stories about the evolution of life in the region over the past tens of millions of years.”
The Red Sea Project is set to welcome its first guests by the beginning of next year, when the first hotels will open. Phase one, which comprises 16 hotels, will be complete by the end of 2023.
Upon completion in 2030, the Red Sea Project will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.
The destination will also include an international airport, luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment and leisure facilities.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
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The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders
Stuart Kells, Counterpoint Press
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The biog
Favourite colour: Brown
Favourite Movie: Resident Evil
Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices
Favourite food: Pizza
Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon
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THE POPE'S ITINERARY
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
