Sir Bani Yas Island

Sir Bani Yas Island: The Wildlife Experience in UAE

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the best places in the world to visit. With its ambitious architectural success but preserving a real Arab experience, the place has become a traveler’s haven. Travelers can enjoy going to the different principalities of UAE. There are seven emirates and these are  Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain.

One of the most thrilling experiences in UAE is found in the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE. The Sir Bani Yas Island is a perfect place to retreat. It is located 250 km southwest of Abu Dhabi. Travelers will have to drive from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to Jebel Dhanna, the crossing point of other islands. Nine kilometers offshore from Jebel Dhanna is the island known for its wildlife preserve. A ferry will then take you the island. 

Located adjacent to a lagoon, on the northwest of Sir Bani Yas Island, is the Desert Islands Resort & Spa which is home to three restaurants, a spa, health club, kids club and business facilities. Make reservations in the luxurious Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, the 64 rooms and suite which is proud itself with high quality service and it truly captures the majestic beauty of Sir Bani Yas. The resort offers various activities for its guest, including a package of thrilling Middle Eastern experience.

 

Sir Bani Yas was once the retreat place of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who ruled as President of UAE from 1971-2004. He treated Sir Bani Yas as his second home and this what prompt him to make the island a wildlife preserve for indigenous animals in the Arabian Peninsula. He created a green haven for the animals amidst the harsh scorching sun of the desert. This conservation is in fact the best asset of the island. 

 
The hotel can make simple arrangements for a safari jeep ride to the wildlife preserve. This is perfect for a family getaway as kids will enjoy seeing various animals. Every now and then, one will see a patch of green where animals will be shaded and making it home. 
 
The reserve is home to untamed gazelles that run in the desert. It is also home to the huge magnificent Eland. Elands are dangerous when startled as they can jump and trample someone. So make sure to be very careful with them around. As you drive through the wonderful sands, make sure to keep your eyes open for Cheetahs! Yes, the fastest animal in the world can be found in this island. In fact, there are three resident cheetahs. They are very rarely seen by visitors because their color allows them to be a perfect camouflage in the desert. There are also giraffes in the area. 
 
The preservation is like a zoo in the open. The government takes the preservation started by their late ruler seriously; in fact, fishing is not permitted on the island. Because of this, more sea life are sighted on the island.

The island is also home to many excavation sites. Its historical significance was proven when remnants of Late Stone Age were found. The island is also home to the only pre-Islamic Christian site found in the UAE and the 7th-century Christian Church was discovered in 1992 and is now open to the public since 2010. 

 
There are other activities that travelers can do on the island. Snorkeling and Kayaking are available. Surely, one would enjoy seeing the beautiful sea life that the island has to offer. There are also equipments for Kayaking and they even offer basic training. For sport minded people, biking and archery are available. For mountain bikers, one can bring their own bikes or rent from the hotel or operators. Try the ancient weaponry of archery. They offer basic training for beginners. The island is a beautiful place to stay in for simple retreats or luxurious vacations.