Hi Guys😊,
Today, I will be sharing my experience, tips, history, and unknown facts about the Sir Baniyas Island. I personally enjoyed Sir Baniyas Island tour. I traveled with CDT family. Sir Bani Yas Island travel video link is mentioned below(Alba Travel Vlog).
Day 1 :Ruwais
We started our journey from Abu Dhabi. Firstly, we reached Ruwais, a part of the western region of Abu Dhabi. It is approximately 240 kilometers away from the capital city and lies along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Ruwais is known for being an industrial town and serves as a hub for the UAE's oil and gas industry.
In Ruwais, we visited two places:
1.Mirfa Beach
Mirfa Beach is located in Ruwais. It is a quiet spot with pristine waters, featuring a long stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is a great place for swimming and various watersports activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
2.Mamsha Al Mugheirah
Mamsha Al Mugheirah is a mangrove forest. It is a beautiful spot for photoshoots, sunset watching, and walking. A hanging bridge is set up over the mangrove forest, though it is not as large as the Jubail Mangrove in Abu Dhabi.
After sightseeing, we headed to Hotel Ramal. They arranged a delicious dinner and provided excellent hospitality.
Day 2: Sir Baniyas Island
We got ready on time with great excitement to explore a new place.
We reached the Jebel Dhana Jetty, where ferries to Sir Bani Yas Island run regularly. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot. Since the island is off the mainland in the Arabian Gulf, it cannot be reached directly by private vehicle. Ferry rides take about 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, you can hire a private boat charter or book a seaplane transfer from Abu Dhabi.
You can visit Sir Bani Yas Island as an Anantara Resort guest or by booking guided tours or activities through tour operators. These tours often include transportation such as safari vehicles or shuttle services around the island. Note that public transportation and shops are not available on the island.
We traveled with Holiday Panda, who arranged food, transportation, and accommodation for us.
We took a guided safari tour, which provided clear information and insights into the island's history. We saw many animals freely roaming around us.
1.Facts About Sir Baniyas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island is the largest natural island in the UAE, located off the coast of Abu Dhabi. It is a unique destination blending nature, history, and adventure. The name "Sir Bani Yas" comes from the Bani Yas tribe, the first inhabitants of Abu Dhabi. The island has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back thousands of years.
The animals on Sir Bani Yas Island were introduced as part of an ambitious wildlife conservation program initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. His vision was to create a sanctuary for endangered species and preserve the region's biodiversity.
The island is part of the Desert Islands in the Al Dhafra region and features lush landscapes, wildlife, and historical sites. You can see a variety of animals like gazelles, peacocks, zebras, giraffes, Arabian oryx, and even cheetahs in their natural habitat. Many of these animals were introduced through international conservation programs or Sheikh Zayed's collaborative efforts with other nations.
Sir Bani Yas Island is approximately 87 square kilometers in size and is home to thousands of free-roaming animals and millions of plants.
Tour packages include wildlife safaris, beach activities, and water sports. You can also rent bikes for a fun and eco-friendly way to explore, and walking trails are available.
A historic diplomatic meeting between the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman was also held here.
The island's Mount Dhofar features unique shades and colors due to the presence of various minerals.
In line with its sustainability goals, Sir Bani Yas Island harnesses renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The best time to visit is from October to April. There are no permanent residents on the island.
2.History
We visited ancient settlements and a Christian monastery dating back to 600 CE, adding a historical layer to the experience. Discovered in 1992, this ancient monastery provides rare insights into early Christian presence in the UAE.
After that, we went kayaking with great excitement for adventure tourism. All of us really enjoyed the water activity. The island's water bodies and land are clean and beautiful.
In conclusion, this trip was very enjoyable, and we had a great time. I would definitely recommend this place—it’s a must-visit destination in the UAE.
Thank you😊
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