Out of Dubai… and into Africa

Experience the sights and sounds of Africa without leaving the UAE

Have you ever wanted to wake up to an African dawn? Or dreamt of seeing gazelle nibbling the grass metres in front of where you sit with your morning cuppa, or watching a giraffe lazily munching the top of a tree just a few metres further away?

Well, you can do all that at a place that’s only a road trip away.

Many UAE residents are often surprised to learn that Abu Dhabi has a remote island housing 11,000 wild animals. Those who are in the know about Sir Bani Yas, however, will already appreciate the unique characteristics that make a 3.5-hour trip to the island feel more like a Kenyan escape than a staycation in the capital.

The island itself is bigger than Abu Dhabi city, coming in at 87 Sq Km – that’s equal to 378 Bluewaters Islands. The three available resorts are all operated by Anantara. There’s Desert Islands Resort, and two types of villas: Al Sahel Resort has lodges in the forest, while Al Yamm Resort has villas on the beach. What’s On recently spent two nights at Al Yamm Resort (Dhs1,520 per night).

The first thing to note is that the resorts are open to all guests, allowing you to explore each hotel, its pools, and restaurants as you please. However, due to the size of the island, there are drivers to take you between each upon your request.