History
The name Sir Bani Yas Island originates from the Bani Yas tribe, who first inhabited Abu Dhabi. Sir Bani Yas Island was created millions of years ago when natural geological forces created the "salt dome" island present today.
The first human settlers arrived several thousand years ago, long before people set foot on what was later to become the United Arab Emirates. Thirty-six archaeological sites have been discovered throughout Sir Bani Yas, each providing a distinct insight into the island's history. One of the oldest sites is the remains of a Nestorian Christian monastery which dates back to 600 AD. Each of these sites has now been carefully covered, to protect them until the time when they can be incorporated into the destination experience.
Sir Bani Yas Island was first mentioned in European literature around 1590, when the Venetian jeweller Gasparo Balbi listed "Sirbeniast" as an island around which pearls were often found. It was also described in some detail during the 1820s and 1850s by British naval officers who were surveying the lower Gulf waters. Over the past two decades Sir Bani Yas Island has been transformed by the late ruler and founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed. His visionary "Greening of the Desert" programme was designed to help make the deserts more suitable for human settlement, and provided a haven for many of Arabia's endangered wildlife. Under Sheikh Zayed's patronage, several millions trees were planted and numerous animals species introduced to the island, including gazelle, oryx, llama, rhea, giraffe, and ostrich. Once the reserve was established, Sheikh Zayed wanted to share the results with the world; hence it was opened to weekend tourists. These tours soon became so popular that visits would often have to be booked over one year in advance.
In 2007, the Government of Abu Dhabi furthered Sheikh Zayed's legacy by establishing what is today known as the Desert Islands. Innovative new plans brought together Sir Bani Yas Island, neighboring Dalma Island, and six surrounding sandy outcrops into one exotic destination. This is now being developed and is scheduled for completion in 2015.
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