AbuDhabi – Must see – Sir Bani Yas Island
A walk on the wild side and discover the wilderness of Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the eight desert islands of Al Dhafra . This dramatic landscape is home to stunning wildlife, a range of family-friendly adventure activities, five-star boutique hotels, luxury villas, purpose-built stables and historical sites.
The Arabian wildlife park makes up more than half of this incredible island. It’s one of the region’s largest wildlife reserves home to more than 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Guests can enjoy 4×4 nature and wildlife safaris in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert guides, with the island’s state-of-the-art stables offering a variety of equestrian activities and lessons for the whole family. If you’re looking for a customised tour to explore the island in more detail, Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, a hotel on the Abu Dhabi mainland, can help you book one.
The ancient island is also home to the UAE’s only discovered Christian monastery, which can be visited during a Desert Islands Resort and Spa Culture Tour. Thought to have been built around 600AD and abandoned in 750AD, the monastery was rediscovered during excavations in 1992.
Sir Bani Yas Island, Jebel Dhanna, Al Dhafra + 971 02 8015400