Joanna James
As one of Abu Dhabi’s most breathtaking travel hotspots, Sir Bani Yas Island is a dream come true for active holidaymakers. A world away from the hustle and bustle of the Emirati capital’s cosmopolitan confines, this wildlife haven and beach paradise is worth visiting for 5 compelling reasons.
Considered the perfect destination for those looking to escape the chaos of city life, Sir Bani Yas Island is not a manmade island built for pleasure and recreation. Instead, this natural island is a heritage hotspot replete with sandy beaches, desert terrains and mangrove forests and is, more importantly, a world away from Abu Dhabi’s ultra-modern cityscape. Those with a love of the great outdoors and natural surroundings will relish the opportunity to uncover the hidden beauty of Sir Bani Yas Island and its untamed wildernesses, which are easily accessible from one of the world’s busiest holiday and business hubs.
While vacationers heading to Abu Dhabi will most likely sign up for a desert safari tour across Rub Al Khali, Al Wathba or the Al Khaznah deserts, Sir Bani Yas Island affords visitors the chance to enjoy a tour of some of Abu Dhabi’s lesser-known and isolated deserts. Easily accessible to travellers based at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and other similar resorts in Abu Dhabi, the dune bashing and off-road driving experiences alone make a tour of the island’s deserts well worth one’s time.
Unlike manmade islands in the Middle East that boast integrated resorts, casinos and water parks, Sir Bani Yas Island lays claim to a rich cultural and spiritual heritage which dates back to 600 AD. Cultural tours will not only include stopovers at the ruins of an ancient Christian church but also remnants from the Bronze Age, which is but one location among the 18 archaeological sites found on Sir Bani Yas Island. Travellers with an interest in learning more about the UAE’s pre-Islamic era will also find locations that contain ruins of the Nestorian Christian period in the country’s history.
As the main reason most tourists head to Sir Bani Yas Island in the first place, there’s no denying the role that the isle’s Arabian Wildlife Park has played in its popularity as a vacation heartland. Occupying an impressive 4000 acres, the wildlife sanctuary is home to a whopping 17,000 creatures, including giraffes, gazelles, cheetahs and Arabian oryxes. The free-roaming wildlife reserve is not only ideal for safari tours but hiking expeditions and falconry demonstrations, as the latter is a cultural practice with a centuries-long history.
While Sir Bani Yas Island’s white, sandy beaches are another draw for visitors, water sports lovers will also find that what lies beneath the waves is no less spectacular. Ranked among the top diving and snorkelling locations on the Persian Gulf, the island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs teeming with marine species. Those with a passion for fishing will also find that deep-sea fishing expeditions are organised by local tour operators.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
