Native name: صِـيـر بَـنِى يَـاس | |
|---|---|
 This astronaut photograph illustrates the varying character of surfaces on Sir Bani Yas | |
  Ṣīr Banī Yās | |
| Geography | |
| Location | Persian Gulf |
| Coordinates | 24°20′N 52°36′E / 24.333°N 52.600°E |
| Area | 87 km2 (34 sq mi) |
| Length | 17.5 km (10.87 mi) |
| Width | 9 km (5.6 mi) |
| Administration | |
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi |
| Demographics | |
| Ethnic groups | Arabs |
Ṣīr Banī Yās (Arabic: صِير بَنِي يَاس) is a natural island located 170 km (110 mi) southwest of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It lies 9 km (5.6 mi) offshore from Jebel Dhanna, which serves as a crossing point to other islands such as Dalma. Sir Bani Yas is 17.5 km (10.9 mi) from north to south and 9 km (5.6 mi) from east to west,[1] making it the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Located just off the shore of the western region of Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas was originally home to Arabia's largest wildlife reserve. Spanning over 87 km2 (34 sq mi), the reserve was established in 1977 by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.[2] Due to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
- ^ "Sir Bani Yas ADIAS Guide". adias-uae.com. Abu Dhabi Islands Archeological Society. Retrieved December 13, 2014.
- ^ "Historical Timeline". sirbaniyasisland.com. Sir Bani Yas Island, Desert Islands. Retrieved December 13, 2014.