UAE launches geology book – in pictures

The UAE has published a critical geological reference in Arabic language that highlights the country's geological development over a span of more than 600 million years. All photos: UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
The book is divided into 13 chapters that include hundreds of geological maps and vivid colour illustrations
The text puts together results from various geological and geophysical studies and surveys conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in co-operation with several specialised international expertise houses
The book covers topics such as the country's geological structure, significant geological phenomena and eras, and mineral wealth
The UAE is home to home to rare geological structures and a wide array of rocks such as ophiolite rocks
Ophiolite rocks, which are sections of thick sea floor that have been pushed upwards to land, are 96 million years old and offer unique insights into the geological forces shaping the earth and contain potential hidden treasures