Most people who visit Abu Dhabi stay in the city or head to one of its beach resorts along the mainland coast. Very few make it to Sir Bani Yas Island. Sitting in the Arabian Gulf off the coast of the Western Region, this island is home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in the Arabian Peninsula, a remarkable natural environment, and resort accommodation that places you in the middle of it all.
A Wildlife Reserve in the Arabian Gulf
Sir Bani Yas Island was originally developed as a private nature reserve by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who introduced a range of species to the island, including Arabian oryx, cheetah, hyena, and giraffe. The reserve now supports over 13,000 free-roaming animals across a landscape of grassy plains, mangroves, and coastal terrain.
The Resort Experience
If you are staying on Sir Bani Yas, you are in for a treat with a selection of properties, each offering a unique connection to the island’s stunning scenery. While Abu Dhabi luxury hotels are quite impressive, they simply cannot match the experience Sir Bani Yas offers. A place like Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort provides villa accommodation right within the wildlife reserve, where you will be surrounded by the island’s animals, and the Arabian Gulf will be your beautiful backdrop.
Beyond the Wildlife
Sir Bani Yas also boasts archaeological sites that are over 8,000 years old, along with a network of mountain biking and hiking trails, kayaking through mangrove channels, and some of the best snorkelling in Abu Dhabi’s coastal waters. The island’s blend of wildlife, history, and outdoor activities offers a richness that many resort destinations simply cannot match.
