The perfect location to spend a weekend away, Sir Bani Yas Island is a desert retreat that not many people in the UAE know about. Recreation, excitement, romance and food are all packed together on this island with adventure taking the fore front.
Overview
The desert island, complete with a 5-start hotel, fine-dining, chauffer services and a relaxing spa, makes one forget the hustle and bustle of the distant city and take up permanent residence here. Sir Bani Yas Island offers a peaceful retreat, a window for those looking to get up close and personal with nature. One of the onlypre-Islamic Christian sites to be found in the UAE, the island is rich in history and culture.
History and culture
The earliest known life to appear on the island was animals, specifically elephants and other large mammals around six to eight million years ago. Human occupation was confirmed with the findings of pottery and other tombs during the Neolithic age (5,500 BC).
From 300 to 600 BC, settlers from nearby Dalma Island were actively involved in international trade with Mesopotamia and even Mediterranean countries. The first signs of religion are of an early Christian Nestorian Monastery, of which the ruins can still be found in the island. Islam became the dominant religion during 630 AD.
The 19th century saw a boon in the pearl industry, while the salt mines also attracted visitors. The 1930’s and 1940’s saw the island deserted.
The island that exists today is due to the initiative of His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, First President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, who initially chose this as his island retreat and later on prohibited hunting and started the initiative-greening of the desert. During which time he started the wildlife sanctuary and the breeding programs for the Arabian Oryx, which were thought to be extinct. Today the population has grown to 450 in number. Today the island has over 10,000 different species that coexist harmoniously.
Location
An area of 86 sq. kms, Sir Bani Yas is located 8kms off the western coast of Abu Dhabi, near to the Saudi Arabian border. Visitors who plan to drive should park their cars at the Jebel Dhanna port and travel by boat to the island.
Area guide
Stay Sir Bani Yas Island has three places to stay, The Desert Islands Resort, Al Yamm Villa Resortand Al Sahel Villa Resort. All three are beautifully decorated with rich colours and warm interiors that show the country’s opulent Arabic spirit.
Land activities Slightly to the west of The Desert Islands Resortare activities- archery, land sailing and falconry. Mountain biking and nature walks are done around the salt domes in the centre of the island and provides extra-ordinary view of the whole place.
On the eastern side of the resort is the Anantara Spa, which is good in terms of service.
Watersports Those interested in water activities need not be disappointed as the island offers plenty of opportunities. There is snorkeling and scuba diving for those interested in seeing the marine life face-to-face. Kayaking is also available, through the mangroves and open seas for experienced swimmers. Surfers and non- surfers alike can participate in stand-up paddle boarding, a great way to spend an afternoon bird watching. Sir Bani Yas Island also has deep fishing just 20mins of the coast where you can generally catch Barracuda, Spanish mackerel, Queen fish and King fish depending on the season.
Nature The other spots to look out for are the archeological ruins and the wind turbines located at strategic points in the island. To the keen eye, one may notice that the date palms in the middle of the island form the shape of a Dallah – the Arabic coffee pot, which is a symbol of hospitality.
The Sir Bani Yas stables are located close to these palaces and experienced riders, if lucky, can spot a cheetah or two during the ride.
The animal wildlife park is not far from here and one can spot cheetahs and giraffes during the nature and wildlife drives which are conducted around this area.
Hotels
Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara
The Desert Islands Resortis accompanied by its own spa and pool. The pool offers a fantastic view of the beach, and in the evenings the setting sun gives a view that is surreal.
Al Yamm Villa Resort is an oasis of serenity, which is only broken by the free roaming animals and the majestic flamingos that fly over the mangrove lagoon.
Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort
Al Sahel Villa Resort is the perfect place to stay if you want to takeguided treks to the nearby salt-domed hilltops, and enjoy cozy evenings at the Savannah Grill.
Transport
Sir Bani Yas Island can be reached by three modes of transport.
Car Follow the E11 highway directly from Abu Dhabi or Dubai in the direction of Tarif and Mirfa, towards Ghweifat and Saudi Arabia. Take exit 113 marked Sir Bani Yas Island. Follow the clearly marked road and take the exit for Sir Bani Yas and Jebel Dhana Jetty.
Boat Cruise to Sir Bani Yas Island on your own boat. Dock your boat at the Royal Bay Moorings and enjoy your stay at the island
Plane Sea Wings operate charter flights from Dubai Creek to Sir Bani Yas Island. You must book with them seperately here, or call them on 04 807 0708.
Good for
Adventure Kayaking, snorkelling or mountain biking are all activities to get the adrenaline pumping. There are other activities like deep sea fishing, archery or horse riding for the more relaxed adventurer in you.
History The island contains the ruins of anicent Christian Nestorian monasteries; the largest Christian site in Eastern Arabia.
Wildlife The island can be explored with the help of guided nature walks or the comfort of an open safari jeep, with face-to-face encounters of predators and free roaming animals. The island is famous for its breeding programs and greening the desert initiative.
Photography Amateur and professional photographers can have a field day, shooting anything from sunrise to sunset, with no place in the island off-limits.
Day trips Sir Bani Yas Island offers day trips by sea-planes or boats where you get to enjoy stunning aeriel views of the island. The day trip consists of fixed itineraries decided by the island.
Bad for
Distance Those who don’t want to drive for three hours and go to a desert island!
Petrol stations Make sure your car is fuelled up, there aren't may petrol stations near the port
5 to try in Sir Bani Yas
Wildlife safari The Sir Bani Yas Island gives free roaming access to the animals with only the boundaries closed to keep the Cheetahs away. They are expected to hunt and mate in this area, with no interaction from humans.
To see all the animals, the optimum time is the first trip in the morning since animals feed and hunt at this hour.
The Palm The Palm is a restaurant at the Desert Island and Spa which is open for breakfast and dinner. The restaurant serves an international and Middle Eastern breakfast buffet and conducts the occasional themed nights. Timings 7.00am to 10.30am and 7.00pm to 10.30pm Website The Palm
The Library Second floor of the Desert Island Resort is equipped with a well stocked library, with huge mahogany tables and cosy lighting. You can also enjoy a good drink and cigar here.
Kayaking Kayaking is not a new adventure sport, but kayaking through the mangroves in the Middle East is something that needs to be done once in your life.
Mountain biking Experienced and inexperienced riders can explore on and off-road trails through the Arabian Wildlife Park, wadis, beaches and lagoons.
