The fascinating Sir Bani Yas Island is a nature reserve with over 13,000 animals. During your time in Abu Dhabi, a visit this island is a must!

History

During the Cambrian period, roughly around 600 million years ago, salt deposits formed a dome, afterwards, layers of limestone and sandstone gathered, forming Sir Bani Yas Island. Human activity on the island dates back to 5500 BC and the most prominent archaeological discovery is the ruins of a Christian Monastery, from the late 6th century AD.

greeeen2008, Gasha غاشة – panoramio (2)CC BY 3.0

Getting there

The island is a part of the Al Gharbia region, 250 kilometres south-west of Abu Dhabi. The island can be reached by either car and then boat from Jebel Dhanna or directly by boat or plane. If you’ve made a booking at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, one of the renowned Abu Dhabi beach resorts, you can also try and make transport arrangements directly with the resort.

The animals

Dominated by the Arabian Wildlife Park, the island is home to a plethora of different species. You are sure to spot roaming gazelles, deer, antelopes, wild cats, giraffes and so much more.

Image by skeeze from Pixabay