With a myriad of natural and artificial treasures, the Arab Emirates never ceases to amaze. The most interesting places are always the places little known to tourists. In the UAE, it is Sir Bani Yas, the island that Sheikh Zayed liked so much that the first president of the Emirates turned the place into a national reserve.

The history of Sir Bani Yas Park
Sir Bani Yas Island is a wildlife park spread over 87 square kilometers, which almost 50 years ago was a vast desert with no signs of life. Today the place is home to rare animals of the Arabian Peninsula, and some of the fauna living here are endangered species.

The development of the largest natural island in the UAE began in 1971 by a decree of Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan. To create the next Arabian wonder, a large-scale work was first carried out to irrigate the soil artificially. Then 8 million seedlings of trees and shrubs were planted in the prepared land.

Gradually unique and rare species of animals were brought here. From the Middle East, the rare Arabian oryx and gazelle arrived in Sir Bani Yas. Settlers from Africa were antelopes, cheetahs, giraffes, and hyenas. Today, the park has more than 10 thousand birds and animals monitored by the security team.

Reviews of tourists about Sir Bani Yas emphasize no less attractive landscape: mangrove forests on reddish ground and mountains, alternating with sharp cliffs.

The charming place is located in the western region of Al Gharbia, 200 km from Abu Dhabi. The island is divided into several parts - a protected area with recreated natural habitat, pens for animals, a resort for tourists with beaches, hotels, and a pier.

Soon, the government plans to expand the scope of the National Park to include seven neighboring islands in reserve.

How to spend time on the island
Tourists will experience more than just a world of mesmerizing nature on the island. The reserve will reveal to travelers the secrets of the multifaceted culture and history of the Arab world. The historical sites of Sir Bani Yas, though few, are of particular value. The Church of the 7th century and the Nestorian Monastery are the primary Christian sanctuaries and the only ones in the UAE, which appeared here before Islam.

The coastal reserve is surrounded by coral reefs, which colorful fish inhabit. On request, tourists excursions to Sir Bani Yas can be accompanied by diving or snorkeling in the underwater world. During a cruise around the perimeter of the park, you can watch sea cows, dolphins, and turtles play.

Managers and some travel-expert also advise biking around the area and traveling through the mangroves in a kayak. Here you can shoot a bow and learn riding skills on Arab horses, for which the Emirates are famous. In addition, guests of the island are invited to visit the unique salt mines, which are concentrated in the center of the National Park. The Dome of the output goes to a depth of 6 thousand meters and is considered the largest in the world.

For a comfortable stay of travelers who have chosen to rest in the Emirates in Sir Bani Yas, built luxurious villas with baths of the ancient type and a five-star hotel with a spa complex, where you can stay with the kids. An entertainment center is open for the little ones.