If you’ve ever lived in the United Arab Emirates you would’ve definitely heard of the legendary Sir Bani Yas Island. The island sanctuary is iconic and is one of the biggest attractions within the country. Consequently there are many seasonal Abu Dhabi hotel deals in resorts located on the island such as the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts.
The island is a natural formation and has a fairly long history spanning back more than a thousand years. One of the oldest sites found on the island is a Nestorian Christian monastery that was built sometime in 600AD. This mysterious church however is still protected until such a time where it can be incorporated into the overall experience. During the early 1970s, Sheikh Zayed, the iconic ruler at the time, embarked on a retreat on to the island. Shortly afterward he imposed a ban on hunting on the landmass and set about changing it to a wildlife reserve.
If you were to visit this magnificent island, the species to observe are countless, ranging from Somali ostriches to reticulated giraffes. The waters around Sir Bani Yas Island are home to many exotic species as well, such as dolphins and endangered sea turtles. The world’s largest herd of Arabian Oryx is situated here. These were previously endangered in the wild, but now exist on the island thanks to the efforts of wildlife conservationists.
There are many ways to traverse the expanse of Sir Bani Yas Island. One of the most popular ways is through a specialised off-road SUV driven by an experienced guide. If you’re feeling more adventurous you could even tackle the terrain on a mountain bike, which is sure to be an even more fulfilling experience. A trip to the island is bound to be an unforgettable experience for the entire family, and is definitely something to do if you have the chance.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.