Eco Retreat Provides Remarkable Escape to Unwind, Recharge and Explore Exotic Arabian Scenery
United Arab Emirates: Desert Islands - the new nature-based destination offshore Abu Dhabi's Al Gharbia (Western Region) - has arrived on the international tourism scene with the opening of Sir Bani Yas Island.
The opening of the 64-room boutique Desert Islands Resort and Spa, managed by the award-winning Thai hospitality group Anantara, has also signalled the arrival of Al Gharbia on the global tourism map.
Sir Bani Yas Island is one of eight natural islands which make up Desert Islands and is being developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) - a master developer of major leisure, residential and tourism destination within Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
"The launch of Desert Islands' first phase is a milestone, not only in TDIC's history, but in that of Al Gharbia," explained Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC. "As the first TDIC proprietary product to come on line, the opening up of Sir Bani Yas Island has given us a great sense of satisfaction, particularly as it has been achieved in less than three years of the company's launch. It is also a flagship development for Al Gharbia and a paradigm of how the great potential of this region can be leveraged in a solid, sustainable manner."
Originally conceived as a wildlife reserve to ensure the survival of Arabia's most endangered species, Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the great legacies of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE. Today it hosts the Arabian Wildlife Park which spans three quarters of this 87 square kilometre island and is home to a variety of free roaming animals including one of the world's largest herds, of more than 400, of Arabian oryx.
Desert Islands Resort and Spa guests can experience a variety of adventure and nature-based activities including 4x4 guided tours of the Arabian Wildlife Park, mountain biking and hiking on the island's rugged salt domes, kayaking through its lush mangrove reserve, home to over 60 species of migratory bird life, and snorkelling in the marine-life rich waters off the island which are inhabited by dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles.
Sir Bani Yas Island lies alongside Jebel Dhanna in Al Gharbia, a 250 kilometre drive from Abu Dhabi city, followed by a 15 minute boat trip. Alternatively guests can opt for a 50 minute flight by sea plane linking Abu Dhabi International Airport with the island. The sea plane service is operated by Empire Aviation, a division of Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered national airline of the UAE.
"The Sir Bani Yas Island experience starts from the moment guests step on to the boat or sea plane and enter this remote and exclusive get-away," added Tabler.
The Desert Islands destination, designed as a showpiece in sustainability, will comprise Sir Bani Yas Island, the heritage-rich Dalma Island and a range of rocky outcrops - the Discovery Islands.
Adventurers looking to experience Sir Bani Yas Island can book through the Desert Islands Resort and Spa on +971 (0) 2 801 5400 or online at www.desertislands.com
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About Desert Islands
Desert Islands is an escape from the ordinary where nature, wildlife and heritage blend on eight natural Arabian islands offering visitors the chance to discover, explore and unwind. The nature-based destination redefines tourism in the Middle East with its multitude of experiences including an Arabian Wildlife Park, nature reserve, rich heritage, five-star hospitality and outdoor adventures.
Desert Islands lies alongside the coast of Jebel Dhanna, a 250 kilometre drive from Abu Dhabi City. The destination comprises Sir Bani Yas Island, Dalma Island and Discovery Islands. Desert Islands is easily accessible from Abu Dhabi city and the mainland via several transportation vehicles such as sea and air transport.
The master developer of Desert Islands - Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) - is an independent company of which Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is the sole shareholder.
Sir Bani Yas Island - a nature-based sanctuary was originally developed as a private wildlife reserve by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Sir Bani Yas Island is being developed with a focus on nature and adventure, and is home to more than 23 species of free-roaming animals, including one of the world's largest herds of endangered Arabian Oryx.
Dalma Island - the cultural jewel of Desert Islands is a true symbol of UAE heritage mirroring an authentic Arabian lifestyle in a genuine environment. Currently 5,000 UAE nationals live on the island. The Desert Islands Education Centre (DIEC) provides Dalma's residents vocational education aimed at advancing career opportunities in the Islands' emerging tourism expansion.
Discovery Islands - an exclusive and luxurious retreat nestled on six natural islands, is home to a vibrant marine life and untouched animal habitats. Two islands will be developed into exclusive boutique resorts, while two others will offer camping experiences on untouched desert islands. The remaining islands harbour undisturbed breeding grounds for birds and turtles.
For more information/media inquires please call:
Ismail Al Ghussein/Firaas Salah
TBWA/RAAD/PR Middle East
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P.O. Box 40604, Dubai, UAE
T. +971 4 425 8800
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© Press Release 2008
