The Bani Yas Island is a large island situated approximately two hundred and fifty kilometres off the United Arab Emirate’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Measuring roughly eleven miles in length and about six miles at its widest point, the island is the biggest island belonging to the country. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a former ruler of the country, established a wildlife reserve in the island in 1971. Spanning an area of around eighty four square kilometres, it was the biggest wildlife reserve in the region. The island is currently home to an astonishing amount of greenery and a large population of free roaming wildlife.
Not only is Bani Yas Island a place of exceptional beauty it also provides visitors with plenty of things to do. Going on a safari is one of the most popular activities on the island. The park is home to a variety of exotic wildlife (almost thirty species of mammals), many of which are classified as endangered. Visitors to the island will get to see Arabian Oryx, Barbary Sheep, Urial Sheep, Sea Turtles and Sand Gazelles as well as a large variety of birds. Some animals, such as the Arabian Oryx, would be extinct if not for the intensive conservative work performed by the park workers. Other activities to try out at Bani Yas Island include hiking, trekking, mountain biking, archery, kayaking and snorkelling.
Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Middle East. It has become popular with tourists looking for an authentic Arab experience. Known for its excellent infrastructure, the emirate is a treat to visit. However, despite all its development, the emirate is a car oriented region at heart and although public transport is quite good it is somewhat limited. So it becomes very important to find accommodation with a central location as it can greatly reduce the hassles involved in travelling from one attraction to another.
Tourists looking for a good hotel in Abu Dhabi can try the Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. The premier hotel Abu Dhabi couples all the latest modern conveniences with the warmth of traditional Arab hospitality making it an excellent place to stay.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.