Sir Bani Yas Island Travel Guide in 2024
Even to those who frequently travel to the financially rich Middle East countries (gulf countries) may not be aware of several sunny islands that belong to different sovereigns. Here is the Sir Bani Yas Island Travel Guide.
The majority of the travellers to the Arabian gulf countries are either on business or employees working for 100s of corporate giants. They usually don’t tour the country of their visit.
Dubai alone is the exception, where you need a fortnight to stay and enjoy all the tourist interests. Even Dubai has developed unbelievable artificial islands that are pure paradises on earth.
Do you know Abu Dhabi too has an island of its own, and it is called Sir Bani Yas Island?
In this post, I will virtually take you to a middle-east island whose name starts with ‘Sir’.
Where is Sir Bani Yas Island located?
This Middle East island is surrounded by the Arabian Gulf.
It is situated 180 km from Abu Dhabi.
How do you reach Sir Bani Yas Island?
Ferry is the only mode of transportation to Sir Bani Yas Island. The voyage takes two and a half hours from Abu Dhabi’s Jebel Danna port.
Do you know?
BTW, do you know that Nurai Island, another one of the Middle East islands that belongs to Abu Dhabi is located just 15 minutes boat ride away from its motherland?
How big is Sir Bani Yas Island?
It is a fairly large island, measuring 17.5 km and 9 km in length and breadth respectively.
As a matter of fact, Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest of all islands that belong to the UAE (United Arab Emirates). Incidentally, Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE.
Sir Bani Yas Island Travel Guide
Flora and Fauna:
In spite of being an island near a desert, this island is quite green. Several decades ago, this island in the Arabian Gulf was a big wildlife sanctuary.
Wildlife that you can spot on the island:
- Arabian Oryx
Though it has horns of an antelope species, the Oryx falls under ‘bovine’ or ‘bovidae’.
Note: These Oryxes are not kept in an any enclosure or an area with a border. They roam freely on the roads of the island.
In fact, all the mammals on this island are allowed to wander as they like.. This freedom is given to predators that include:
- Striped Hyena
- Cheetah
- Gazelle
- Mountain Gazelle
- Reticulated Giraffe
I could not recognize any visible difference between the Reticulated Giraffe and a normal African Giraffe.
- Somali Ostrich
- Barbari Sheep
This is a rare sheep species that have horns that curl down.
- Arabian Tahr
Birds on this island:
I read the island has more than 200 species of birds but strangely, I could not any document that carried the names of the birds.
However, I still managed to find one called, “Houbara Bustard”.
You can join any organized, and guided wildlife safari tours. The flora and fauna of this island indicates it is classified under tropical geography.
Are there any water-based adventure sports?
Yes, of course. Water sports on this island include:
- Kayaking
- Snorkelling
- Diving
More water sports are on the anvil.
The best place to stay on Sir Bani Yas Island:
The top recommendation is bagged by Desert Islands Resort and Spa. You can expect truly royal care, kingly food.
In addition, there is a private island within the Sir Bani Yas Island with a resort. However, this private island resort is only for the passengers of cruise ships that dock at the island.
I think you can plan a weekend trip or simply a day trip to the island from Abu Dhabi.
You will have the satisfaction of staying in an oasis and also see the freely wandering wildlife.
