Development
Fully owned by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, TDIC - the master developer of the Desert Islands is developing the Desert Islands with a sensitive eye to the environment and the needs of the local population. The Desert Islands is being developed as a sustainable tourism destination, which will offer visitors a diverse collection of locally inspired natural environments and cultural experiences.
The Desert Islands consists of 8 natural islands, and a mainland arrival and departure hub. Sir Bani Yas Island is the heart of the Desert Islands, and the first island to open to tourists.
Use these pages to learn more about the development underway across the Desert Islands.
Sir Bani Yas Island
As the heart of the destination, Sir Bani Yas Island will become a showcase of sustainability and nature-based tourism. Half of the 87square kilometre island is being developed into one large wildlife park, dedicated to housing free-roaming wild animals indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. Several lodges will be built and located amongst some of the most unique areas with wildlife and nature on the doorstep. Activities will be expanded to include diving and together with MASDAR, an initiative of Abu Dhabi´s Future Energy Company, energy will be sourced from an alternative energy plant focusing on solar and wind power.
Dalma Island
As the only island within the destination that has a local population, Dalma Island will be developed around the needs of those residents.
With its rich human history which dates back some 7,500 years, Dalma is already the educational base of the Desert Islands, with the Desert Islands Education Centre providing local residents with educational skills to become part of the growing tourism industry on the islands. In the future the island will also serve as a heritage sanctuary showcasing archaeological museums, traditional dhow fishing villages and agriculture.
Marsa Jabel Dhanna
Marsa Jabel Dhanna, the gateway to the Desert Islands will be upgraded with landscaping initiatives and increased ferry facilities to transport visitors to the islands.
Discovery Islands
The six tiny Discovery Islands, located only a few kilometres from Sir Bani Yas Island are protected areas reserved as breeding grounds for marine life and birds, and may offer day-trips in the future.
Conference Centre on Sir Bani Yas Island
A new Conference Centre scheduled to be completed on Sir Bani Yas Island in 2010 will accommodate up to 350 people in its major conference hall along with 8 breakaway rooms and a boardroom.