The rugged landscape of the Zekreet Peninsula on the west coast of Qatar consists mainly of wind-sculpted limestone rocks. The lunar-like site is punctuated by tabular promontories that rise from the curves of inland valleys. In the Pliocene Era, the whole area was covered by sediments – coarse sands and pebble-encrusted sandstone from various rocks – transported by large river systems. This geological Hofuf formation is about 18 metres thick and has been eroded over millions of years, creating these distinctive coloured indentations. The term “Abrouq”, which gives its name to the north of the peninsula, is linked to these lighter-coloured protuberances.