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Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi – Tourist Guide 2025

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Sir Bani Yas Island
(C): Anantara

Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest island off the coast of Abu Dhabi and used to be the private island of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late founder of the UAE. After conservation for several decades, it has turned into a conservation haven for thousands of large free-roaming animals and millions of trees and plants. As an avian sanctuary and wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas Island provides a platform to engage with nature in adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking, and snorkeling.

Sir Bani Yas Island
(C): Anantara Hotels and Resorts

You can find a whole lot of activities to do on Sir Bani Yas Island, befitting for kids and adults alike. Starting from cultural and historical tours, mountain biking, and adventure safaris to kayaking and pearl diving- the list is just endless. You can also spot several animals within the wildlife sanctuary, ranging from Arabian Oryx, Somali ostrich, gazelle and deer, and giraffes to dolphins.

Experience Sir Bani Yas Island

Once here, there’s a whole lot of experiences you can tick off the bucket list. Take a walk on the wild side and discover the wilderness of Sir Bani Yas Island, one among eight desert islands of Al Dhafra. This dramatic landscape is home to breathtaking wildlife, numerous adventure activities for the whole family, five-star boutique hotels, luxury villas, well-designed stables and historic sites. 

This ancient island has the country’s only known monastery, a Christian one, the visit of which can easily be included in the Desert Islands Resort and Spa Culture Tour. It is believed to have been built around the year 600AD and abandoned in 750AD. Excavations in the year 1992 found it again buried under sands.

Wildlife in Sir Bani Yas Island

The Arabian Wildlife Park makes more than half of this outstanding island. It stands as one of the largest wildlife reserves in the region; home to over 17,000 animals free-ranging around it including Arabian Oryx, Gazelles, Giraffes, Hyenas, and Cheetahs. 

Sir Bani Yas Island
(C): Anantara Hotels and Resorts

Guests are also treated to nature and wildlife safaris in specially made vehicles accompanied by experts; the state-of-the-art stables on the island feature various equestrian activities and lessons for the whole family. If you need a personalized tour to discover the island in detail, you can get help from Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna, a hotel located on mainland Abu Dhabi.

Adventure Activities in Sir Bani Yas Island

1.    Take A Guided Tour of the Arabian Wildlife Park

Join a guided tour of the Arabian Wildlife Park to know more about the island’s conservation efforts and environmentally friendly practices. The guides will impart knowledge concerning the biology and behaviour of the wildlife and all the other measures taken to protect these valuable species. Find out how the island is committed to sustainability and the preservation of its delicate ecosystem. Enhance your safari experience with these options:

  • Private Safari Tours

Offering a much more personal experience with an expert guide, you can move the safari to what interests you most and spend time watching the wildlife up close. 

  • Photography safari

Join a photography safari with a wildlife photographer, where you will learn to capture unique moments of the island’s various fauna within their natural habitat.

  • Sunset Safari

Experience the transition from day to night on a sunset safari. Sunset causes an increase in animal activity, giving away a rare opportunity to experience their evening behavior. 

  • Birding safari

Do not hesitate to grab the opportunity to join a bird watching safari. Spot various birds on the island, from flamingos to raptors, as you walk through their habitats.

2.    Water Sports

Sir Bani Yas Island is a terrific place for people who love water activities All sorts of water activities under-and-above can be found on the island:

  • Guided Snorkeling Tour

Join a guided snorkeling tour to the island’s most wonderful underwater spots! Dive into the clear waters of the Arabian Gulf to see colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life.

  • Kayaking Tour

Go on an environmentally sensitive kayaking tour and visit the coconut groves of the islands. Cross along waterways that twist and meander while learning all about the unique ecosystems that exist right there.

  • Windsurfing Lessons

Get ready to windsurf with trained professional instructors. Gliding down the water, against strong winds feels incredibly exciting and adventurous. 

  • Deep-Sea Fishing

Love fishing? Go on an excursion with experienced anglers and explore the best fishing spots around the island. You can also try your luck at catching some impressive fish.

3.    Head To the Beach

Pristine blue waters, slivery sands, and a tranquil atmosphere make the Yas Beach a perfect place to escape the city’s hustle. Head here in the evening and bask in the glorious sunset or opt to sunbathe overlooking the Arabian Gulf during the day. Whatever you pick, the ambience is sure to leave you rejuvenated and refreshed. 

4.    Go On a Sunset Cruise 

A perfect end to the day, this cruise will let you get up-close and personal with the sunset.  Embrace the captivating hues of orange and pink as you sail peacefully on the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf. You can pick a private sunset cruise for a more personalized experience or opt for cruises that also come with stargazing experiences for an extraordinary evening. 

Historical Sites in Sir Bani Yas Island

After being hidden for centuries, a church and monastery were found on Sir Bani Yas Island in the early 90s. This also brought to light details about early Christianity in the area. This site is the only ancient Christian location known in the UAE, and it’s open for everyone to explore. At the site, a church, a monastery, and a collection of courtyard houses from the 7th and 8th centuries CE were uncovered. The church was recognized due to the presence of plaster crosses and its architectural layout, which is similar to ancient churches found in other regions of the Arabian Gulf.

Artifacts discovered at the location showed that the locals relied on the sea for sustenance while also raising cattle, sheep, and goats. The presence of glass and ceramic items suggests that the residents engaged in extensive trade throughout the Arabian Gulf and into the Indian Ocean.

Nearly twenty years after its discovery and over a millennium since its construction, the site is now open to the public, allowing visitors to engage with yet another aspect of the UAE’s captivating historical narrative.

Stay at Sir Bani Yas Island

With three luxurious Anantara properties on the island, you can be sure to experience utmost luxury in the heart of nature. 

1.     Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Just 250km west of Abu Dhabi, in the nature reserve of Sir Bani Yas Island, the five-star Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara offers lavish rooms, suites, and villas that merge luxurious amenities with rich Arabian touches and sweeping views of the lush surrounding landscape and sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can walk up hills right by the coast to reach lakes affording lovely views of pink flamingos against clear skies. Meet breathtaking nature and free-roaming wildlife with exciting activities that have been specially developed for the unique geography of the island.

Sir Bani Yas Island
(C): Anantara Hotels and Resorts

Laze in the infinity swimming pool or indulge in a sensuous Anantara Spa treat with the view of the Arabian Gulf. Guests can also enjoy other activities including wildlife and nature drives, mountain biking, kayaking, and sailing. The Sir Bani Yas Stables equestrian center offers riding lessons; alternatively, join a tour of an archaeological site and see the ruins of one of the earliest Christian monasteries. A water sports center has been opened within the resort, offering diving facilities and courses.

2.    Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

An exclusive Island-getaway, by the azure waves of the Arabian Gulf this one looks straight out of a fairy tale. The 30 villas- a few with plunge pools-are sustainably constructed to complement the region’s fragile ecosystem and have additional views across a mangrove-filled salt-water lagoon. With three Anantara resorts dotting Sir Bani Yas Island, guests can enrich their stay with complimentary transfers between the trio of retreats, enjoying all facilities of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts.

Sir Bani Yas Island
(C): Anantara Hotels and Resorts

Besides, you can also pamper yourself at the Anantara Spa, play a game of archery and falconry, sign up for a wide range of watersports, and, of course, gorge on mouthwatering cuisines when here. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort features a central lodge with Mediterranean cuisine and a lounge for privacy and a touch of luxury. Visitors may also enjoy nature and wildlife drives through the Arabian Wildlife Park on the island, diving and mangrove kayaking through the Desert Islands Watersports Centre, or relaxing in the Al Yamm Spa Villa on-site.

3.    Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Nestled in the heart of the Arabian Wildlife Park in the island, this uniquely designed villa resort is an expensive secluded retreat. Accessible only by 4×4, the 30 Al Sahel villas – some with private plunge pools – are set beneath thatched-roofs, and offer luxury amenities with traditional and authentic touches, as well as high levels of elegance and comfort.

Sir Bani Yas Island
(C): Anantara Hotels and Resorts

The resort’s signature dining venue, Savannah Grill, a luxurious safari lodge, features a contemporary blend of Western favourites and African specialties. The Al Sahel guests can also enjoy the nature and wildlife drives and watersports activities organized by sister properties of the resort, namely Anantara Desert Island Resort & Spa and Al Yamm Villa Resort. 

How to reach Sir Bani Yas Island from Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Drive from Abu Dhabi or Dubai via the E11 highway towards Tarif and Mirfa. Just after Al Ruwais, take Exit 113 for Sir Bani Yas Island. Alternatively, the ferry to Sir Bani Yas Island operates from Jebel Dhana Jetty, which is about two hours from downtown Abu Dhabi. Park your car at the jetty, then board the free speed boat across.

Besides, there’s also a complimentary 15-20-minute water taxi available for Anantara guests- to and from the island. This service runs 4 – 5 times daily and requires a booking at least 24 hours in advance. It’s best to confirm the exact timings with the hotel before arriving.

The bus services in the city will get you to the Sir Bani Yas Ferry Terminal. If arriving by boat, you can dock at Royal Bay Moorings. The island also has its own airport so you can also land here in a private air taxi.

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vaishnavi

I am a seasoned content specialist with over 15 years of experience in writing, editing, and content strategy across India and the UAE. My portfolio spans diverse domains including lifestyle, travel, health & wellness, food, and human-interest stories, showcasing my versatility and deep understanding of narrative-driven content. Currently based in Dubai, I have contributed my expertise to a wide array of renowned platforms and brands. My most recent roles include Sub-Editor at DailyHunt, Editor-in-Chief at CurlyTales, Senior Writer at Lovin Dubai, amongst others. Prior to my relocation to the UAE, I honed my skills with top media outlets in India, such as Yahoo! India, The Times of India, Sify, and ZenParent, where I served as Deputy Editor. My content journey has seamlessly bridged both mainstream and digital ecosystems. I’m adept at crafting compelling stories, executing social media strategies, scripting, and conducting interviews. My bylines appear in respected regional publications including Gulf News, Aspire Magazine, and Metro Woman, and I continue to write freelance pieces on topics close to my heart.

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