Sir Bani Yas - An idyllic nature-based retreat

For many years Sir Bani Yas island was restricted to a few dozen weekend visitors during the 1990s but today its luscious mangroves and wildlife resort are part of an ever-growing and popular eco-tourism destination.

The transformation of Sir Bani Yas island, which lies 8km off the coast of the Western Region, from a sleepy wildlife reserve into a luxurious eco-tourism destination is part of the Tourism Development and Investment Company’s (TDIC) Desert Islands project.

Sir Bani Yas, one of eight islands that is being transformed into tourism centres, was turned into a conservation area by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1971.

First Hotel

But in October 1, 2008 the 64-room Desert Island Resort and Spa (the island’s only hotel) opened on the island and later this year day excursions from the mainland will be organised by the

Now offering luxury rooms in the hotel and outdoor sports including kayaking, snorkelling and mountain biking it has become extremely popular.

“Desert Island is a nature based destination, as more resorts and camps will come online, visitor numbers will be expanded, however there will always be a limit of visitors to ensure the islands eco-system is not compromised,” says Lars Nielsen Senior Marketing Manager of the Western Region .

“At the moment the visitor numbers are restricted to the capacity of the resort and a small number of day-trippers (two bus-loads per day).

TDIC has been working on the Desert Islands project for two years and says that a great effort has gone into research to determine what is on the land, in the air and under water.

“The results from the research and animal studies are assisting the development, to ensure that all development is aligned with the capabilities of the island,” adds Nielsen.

“The full project is projected to be completed within eight to 10 years.”

100 Per Cent Occupancy

The hotel had an 80 per cent occupancy on weekends for the first three months and the following months up to mid-May have witnessed a 100 per cent occupancy rate.

During the week occupancy is fluctuating between 40 to70 per cent.

The TDIC says it would like to see more tourists experiencing this authentic destination in six months time to a years’ time and expects around couple of hundred thousand across the entire destination in a years’ time pushing the weekday occupancy rate to 80 per cent.

“Because our aim is to respect and conserve the island’s nature and its inhabitants, we are selective about the activities we bring to Sir Bani Yas Island,” says Nielsen. “The island is not being developed into a mass-tourism destination. Its primary objective will always be an animal reserve “

TDIC has produced a number of project-specific Sustainable Design Regulations for its different type of developments.

The sustainability guidelines contain design requirements and elements which are in-line with TDIC’s vision for sustainable development and cover not only marine but also wildlife, green building guidelines, indigenous plant conservation and renewable energy.

Not only are the islands in the no-fishing zone first implemented by Sheikh Zayed but Desert Islands is dedicated to controlled tourism, which means certain areas are off limits to visitors and adventure activity routes will change daily in order to ensure no damage is done to the reserve.

Transport services

“Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure game drives, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and snorkelling,” says Nielsen.

“Visitors can learn about the wildlife, see some of Arabia’s unique, indigenous animals and experience the natural landscape on a two hour game drive led by Desert Islands’ animal experts.

“Experienced and knowledgeable guides will take visitors hiking through some of the world’s largest salt dome hilltops; kayaking through spectacular mangrove waters; biking across hilly terrain; snorkeling amongst reefs and indigenous sea life.”

New activities include scenic flights over the island, archery and sunset sea cruses. Desert Islands is seen as an escape from the ordinary where nature, wildlife and heritage blend together offering visitors the chance to discover, explore and unwind.

“The destination prides itself as a showcase of the true essence of Arabia, offering a blend of culture, heritage, nature and hospitality,” adds Nielsen.

The natural island is situated off the shore of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and 250 kilometers from the city of Abu Dhabi itself.

The island is accessible via Desert Islands’ boat and plane services (an eight-seater Cessna seaplane or 50-seater Dash 8).

Marsa Jabel Dhanna, the mainland gateway to Desert Islands, features a 2km jetty with transport services to the islands.

Sir Bani Yas Bay will be the arrivals and departure point for Sir Bani Yas Island, which is close proximity to the boat docking area and airport.

Desert Islands Resort & Spa developments

Later this year the TDIC plans to offer the first day trips to the island but Nielsen says a two-night stay is the perfect way to relax and see the island’s beauty.

“Two nights are the ideal stay on the island, whereas a one night stay will be enough for a visitor to probably perform two or three activities,” he adds.

“Activities are only set three times throughout the day (at 7.30am, 11am and 3pm), so for a guest to enjoy the activities as well as the luxury and comfort of the resort, we suggest two nights.”

Plans are now under way to expand the Desert Islands Resort & Spa to include a Conference Centre which will accommodate up to 250 guests.

The centre will consist of eight breakaway rooms and a boardroom with completion date scheduled for 2010.

As well as this four more lodges and several activities are being developed.