Sir Bani Yas Island

Address: Sir Bani Yas Island, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (access by pre‑booked ferry/transfer only)

Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/sir-bani-yas-island

Sir Bani Yas is a natural island and wildlife reserve off the coast of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, developed as a conservation and tourism destination. The island hosts an established wildlife park and resort infrastructure aimed at nature-based tourism.

The Arabian Wildlife Park on the island supports reintroduction and population management of species such as Arabian oryx, various gazelles and other ungulates, alongside aviary and small mammal collections; guided drives and walking tours are organised for visitors. The island also contains luxury resort development and activity programs that focus on wildlife viewing and desert-adapted ecosystems.

Development and conservation initiatives were driven by Abu Dhabi authorities as part of broader environmental and tourism strategies, with facilities built to support visitor programmes while maintaining protected areas for wildlife. Access is by scheduled boat or organised tour from the mainland.

The island lies off the coast of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf; it is administered by the Emirate and accessed from the Abu Dhabi coast by boat transfers arranged through resorts or tour operators.

• Wildlife reserve: The island contains a large protected Arabian Wildlife Park created to reintroduce native and non-native species and to support conservation tourism.
• Tourism and access: A range of resort accommodation and guided safari-style tours operate on the island; many visits are part of organised hotel packages rather than independent day trips.

Sir Bani Yas Island is a private nature reserve and resort island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Public access is by prior booking only: visitors normally transfer by pre‑arranged road transfer to the western mainland embarkation point (Jebel Dhanna) and then a short resort boat transfer, or by charter/scheduled flights to the island airstrip where available. Transfers and arrival instructions are arranged by the island’s resort/operator.

• Book wildlife drives, guided safaris or a stay at one of the island's lodges in advance-access to the protected reserve is managed and day‑visitor places are limited, especially in high season (November-March).
• For the best wildlife sightings, schedule an early morning or late‑afternoon game drive with the reserve rangers when animals are most active rather than relying on unguided exploration.
• Many visitors focus on the animal reserve but miss the island's archaeological ruins and the small heritage village-ask the park staff about short guided walks that include cultural and historical sites.