Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island invites travellers to explore a destination where nature’s resilience meets signature Anantara luxury. Set on the UAE’s largest natural island, home to over 11,000 free-roaming animals and a suite of unique conservation initiatives, the island offers guests extraordinary encounters with rare and endangered species, immersive environmental experiences, and sustainable luxury at every turn.
With Anantara’s conservation experiences on Sir Bani Yas Island, guests can witness five of the island’s most fascinating stories of wildlife revival and environmental protection. Each encounter provides a deeper connection with the island, whether watching Arabian oryx roam freely, spotting critically endangered Addax across desert dunes, discovering rare Markhor and Blue Wildebeest, contributing to mangrove restoration, or seeing sustainability in action through energy, water, and farm-to-table initiatives.
Arabian Oryx: From Extinct to Icon
Once declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s, the Arabian oryx now thrives on Sir Bani Yas Island thanks to a carefully managed breeding and reintroduction programme. With its striking white coat and long, straight horns, the herd roams freely across vast savannahs and arid dunes, offering guests an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Conservationists closely monitor behaviour, breeding patterns, and health to ensure long-term survival, turning each sighting into a living lesson in wildlife recovery.
Addax: Desert Survivor
The critically endangered Addax, also known as the white antelope, is native to the Sahara Desert and survives in harsh desert conditions that few species can tolerate. On Sir Bani Yas Island, a small herd including young bulls is carefully monitored to support breeding programmes. Guests may spot these rare antelopes moving gracefully across the sand dunes, their presence a testament to the sanctuary’s protection and the conservation team’s meticulous efforts to prevent extinction.
Rare Species Encounters
Beyond the iconic oryx and Addax, the island hosts a collection of unusual and endangered species that provide unexpected wildlife encounters. The Markhor, recognisable for its dramatic spiral horns and native to South Asia, thrives in mountainous enclosures, contributing to global conservation efforts. Blue Wildebeest, introduced to Camp 22 in April 2023, are fast, social antelopes whose calves can stand within minutes of birth and outrun predators within a day. Observing these energetic herds offers guests a dynamic glimpse into the diversity of desert and savannah wildlife.
Mangrove Guardians
Sir Bani Yas Island’s desert mangroves provide vital habitat for birds and other wildlife while acting as carbon sinks. Guests can join monthly planting initiatives to help restore these unique ecosystems, becoming active participants in conservation during their stay. The quiet waterways and the gentle rhythm of nature create a deeply grounding experience, highlighting the importance of preserving even the most unexpected habitats in the desert environment.
Sustainability in Action
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of island life. Ten wind turbines and expansive solar fields generate the majority of the island’s energy, while a glass water bottling plant produces over 35,000 litres annually, removing more than 63,000 plastic bottles from circulation. Recycling, composting, and careful waste management further minimise environmental impact, while aeroponic systems and plantations supply fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit to restaurants, lowering carbon footprints and supporting farm-to-table dining. Every initiative is overseen by the hotel team to allow guests to enjoy responsible eco-luxury while immersing themselves fully in the island’s natural beauty.
Each resort offers a distinctive way to experience the island. Al Sahel Villa Resort, tucked into the savannah, provides seclusion and front-row access to roaming wildlife. Al Yamm Villa Resort, set among the mangroves, offers serene calm, with 30 understated villas each featuring a private pool just steps from the water. Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with sweeping views and easy access to nature-based activities.
Guests can embark on the Nature & Wildlife Drive, a signature guided adventure that brings the island’s remarkable conservation stories to life. From spotting Arabian oryx grazing on open plains to glimpsing elusive Addax across the dunes, the drive offers an unrivalled way to witness the harmony between conservation and luxury.
