Sir Bani Yas

Sir Bani Yas is a natural island located 170km southwest of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It lies 9km offshore from Jebel Dhanna, which serves as a crossing point to other islands such as Dalma . Sir Bani Yas is 17.5km from north to south and 9km from east to west, making it the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Located just off the shore of the Western region of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas island was originally home to Arabia's largest wildlife reserve. Spanning over 87km2, the reserve was established in 1977 by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.HistoryThe name Sir Bani Yas Island originates from the Bani Yas tribe, who first inhabited Abu Dhabi. Sir Bani Yas Island is the crest of a salt dome created millions of years ago by natural geological forces.The first human settlers arrived several thousand years ago. Thirty-six archaeological sites have been discovered throughout Sir Bani Yas, each providing a distinct insight into the island's history. One of the oldest sites is the remains of a Nestorian Christian monastery which dates back to 600 AD. Each of these sites has now been carefully covered, to protect them until the time when they can be incorporated into the destination experience.