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.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology
Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels
Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs
Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
