Off the coast of Abu Dhabi lies Sir Bani Yas Island, a nature-based destination and former private island of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. This fantastic retreat is famous for its wildlife, adventure activities, five-star boutique hotels, luxury villas, purpose-built stables and ancient archaeological sites. Spanning 1400 hectares of the incredible island is the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to more than 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Wildlife safaris are accompanied by expert guides, with the island’s state-of-the-art stables offering a variety of equestrian activities. On higher ground are colourful formations of Salt Domes, coloured minerals composed of 80% salt, forming hills of mauves, greens, yellows, reds and oranges.
The capital of the Emirate of Dubai, the city of Dubai is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf, and is synonymous with size and pushing the limits – first, largest, tallest. Aside from this, the attraction of the metropolis is a dreamy world of sites and unheard-of luxuries; shopping centres, nightlife, and cutting-edge hotels. Famous constructions include Burj Khalifa, The Palm, Burj Al Arab, The World Island. Although Dubai strictly safeguards its traditional practices, it allows space for other religions to breathe, a rare quality amongst the conservative Arab world. The combination of all this means Dubai has emerged as a cosmopolitan mega power, a global city, and travel, business, and cultural hub of the Middle East.
