A love letter to Abu Dhabi’s stunning natural island of Sir Bani Yas, home to roaming African animals and a luxury safari lodge – lovingly told by local photographer Natalie Chaban
Near+Far
NEAR+FAR’S My Middle East series brings you personal stories and photographs from leading travel figures and photographers in the region, revealing beloved destinations, favourite spots, insider travel advice and more – told from the heart
SIR BANI YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI, UAE
Words and photography by Natalia Chaban, @nataliechaban
‘Seeing African animals in the UAE is certainly unusual and adds a surreal aspect to everything: the contrast of African wildlife against the Arabian landscape makes the experience so memorable’
My personal connection to Sir Bani Yas Island – one of the largest natural islands in the UAE – goes back to my first visit to Africa in 2016, where I fell in love with the continent’s landscapes and charm. Sir Bani Yas Island brings back these memories, and since that first visit, I’ve returned to the island twice more – each time discovering something new that makes it so special.
Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island is home to three properties, each offering a unique experience. Two of the resorts provide luxurious desert and beach settings, while the third offers an immersive safari-inspired escape. It’s one of my happy places because it brings to mind the natural beauty of the African savannah right here in the Middle East.
Staying here is a mix of peace, excitement, and adventure. There’s a calming sense of being surrounded by nature and the sounds of wildlife and the thrill of seeing incredible animals up close. The island is the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, created as a sanctuary for thousands of free-roaming indigenous animals. I realised how unique this place was when I stepped onto the terrace and saw the animals wandering just a few meters away. It was incredible to be so close to gazelles and peacocks while relaxing in a heated plunge pool or on a sunbed. The sounds of birds all around enhance the feeling, making you forget you’re in the UAE.
The experience begins with a water taxi ride that takes about 30 minutes to reach the island, which sets the mood for an exciting escape. I stayed at Al Sahel Resort, known for its 30 safari-style villas, which really gives the feeling of a luxurious African safari lodge. There’s an African-inspired restaurant, and every Thursday night, they fire up the braai for a barbecue under the stars – it’s a special night!
Seeing African animals in the UAE is certainly unusual and adds a surreal aspect to everything. The contrast of African wildlife against the Arabian landscape makes the experience so memorable. Beyond the resort, Sir Bani Yas is rich in archaeological history, with sites that go back to the Bronze Age. Additionally, it’s home to one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the region, discovered in the early 1990s, which adds a fascinating historical layer to its natural beauty. This combination of wildlife, history, and landscape makes Sir Bani Yas a truly unique and unforgettable destination.
This article originally featured in NEAR+FAR Volume II, @nataliechaban
