As one of the largest natural islands in the emirate, Sir Bani Yas Island is the core component of the planned Desert Islands multi-experiential destination 240 kilometres off Abu Dhabi.
One of Arabia’s largest wildlife reserves the Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals, takes up more than half of the island. There are many Arabian Oryx, gazelles and giraffes, along with the newest arrivals, hyenas and cheetahs.
Visitors can now get up close and personal, at eye-level, with the island’s giraffes from a purpose-built viewing platform made completely from ecycled materials.
New ‘Cruises and Sails’ itineraries offer several packages on the Arabian Gulf, while the world’s first two zero-emission buses are now shepherding guests around the island’s beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife hotspots.
Guests at the boutique Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara can take 4x4 Nature & Wildlife Drives of the park in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert island staff.
Alternatively, guests of the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna can book a three hour tour.
At the new state-of-the-art horse riding facilities at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
visitors can enjoy a variety of horseback riding activities and
lessons, each tailored to meet the individual abilities of guests – be
they first-time or experienced riders.
Sir Bani Yas Island is also home to UAE's only discovered Christian monastery, which is open to the public. Believed to have been built around 600 AD, it was initially discovered on the island during excavations in 1992. This historically-important archaeological site makes Sir Bani Yas one of the very few destinations in the world to offer a holistic tourism experience, covering wildlife, nature based activities, a 5-star boutique hotel and sites of historical significance.