The first phase of Abu Dhabi’s unique Desert Islands destination, which is set to be a regional showpiece of sustainability, is to open to tourists this winter heralding the entry of the emirate’s largely untapped western region on the international tourism and development landscapes. From October, tourists will be able to stay on Sir Bani Yas Island – the former private eco-retreat of the UAE’s late President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The opening of Sir Bani Yas Island, which is at the core of the multi-experiential Desert Islands destination, will be the first step in unlocking the latent potential of Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, according to Lee Tabler, CEO, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) – the emirate’s leading tourism asset developer and the name behind Desert Islands.
Tabler was speaking at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference in Dubai where he spoke of the opportunities within the western region, noted for its unspoilt beaches, dramatic desert terrain as well as natural assets, including mangrove reserves and significant archaeological deposits.
“The region’s proximity to other GCC markets holds out significant advantages,” he added.
Tabler said the Desert Islands, which comprises eight islands and an onshore gate just off the coast of Jebel Dhanna, a 250 kilometre drive from Abu Dhabi city, will be a flagship destination designed to invigorate and inspire.
In October’s first phase opening, guests will be able to stay in the five-star, 64-room boutique Desert Islands Resort and Spa, or its beach villas and six two-bedroom ‘Royal’ villas, being managed by award-winning Thai hospitality group Anantara Resorts & Spas. They can choose to dine in any of five outlets including The Palms, all-day dining restaurant, the specialty Samak seafood restaurant, a pool bar, deli and lounge, relax with a book in the comfort of the library or take in a game of night-time tennis in the 24-hour fitness centre.
Alternatively, guests can stay in a tented Arabian beach side camp where they can relax in nature without even leaving their room.
A series of adventure activities including 4x4 guided tours of the Arabian Wildlife Park, which will be home to a variety of animals, hiking trails, mountain-biking and snorkelling in the island’s surrounding waters, which are rich in marine life, including turtles, dolphins and coral reefs.
“Desert Islands has been master planned as a regional benchmark in environmental, conservation and ecological tourism. “This destination will help us assert our sustainability credentials. It will be the quintessential vacation escape enabling tourists to access the previously inaccessible,” explained Tabler.
Desert Islands is to be a key element of TDIC’s planned promotion at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai this week when advance bookings for the Sir Bani Yas Island experience will commence via www.desertislands.com and www.anantara.com.
“We are engaging some of the world’s top travel decision-makers in the project to secure their support in advance of the opening,” explained Tabler.
“This initial first glimpse of Desert Islands will set the scene for visitors to cultivate a lasting relationship with Abu Dhabi’s western region.
“Managed sensitively, with respect for local culture and traditions, Desert Islands will provide a significant economic boost to the region and the lives of nationals living there - increasing employment, education and investment opportunities.”
Desert Islands is expected to generate US$326 million in tourism revenues when fully operational by 2020 and create a total of 6,500 jobs.
The tourism potential of Abu Dhabi’s western region will be given a further boost next year with the planned September 2009 opening of the deluxe Qasr Al Sarab retreat in the Liwa desert in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali).
“Additional development concepts for the region are currently being progressed and will address the business, as well as the leisure tourism segments,” explained Tabler.
About Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)
Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is Abu Dhabi's leading tourism asset developer and the name behind some of the world's most significant tourism projects. Its flagship development is Saadiyat Island, a 27 square kilometre natural island lying just 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city - the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The island is being transformed into a signature leisure, cultural and residential destination. TDIC is also behind the unique Desert Islands project, one of the world's largest sustainable island tourism destinations currently under development.
TDIC will develop the real estate assets that support the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's (ADTA) mission of assisting UAE economic diversification through tourism development. With its shareholding fully owned by ADTA, the company, launched with an initial paid-up capital of AED 100 million, operates along strictly commercial lines with its projects being self-sustaining and economically feasible.
TDIC's activities include creating development and tourism related concepts for specific sites and locations; disposing of, or repositioning, government-owned tourism related assets; entering into joint ventures with investment partners for assets such as hotels or residential products; as well as serving as master developer for large scale projects.
About Desert Islands
The Desert Islands destination – which lies off Abu Dhabi’s western coastline – is one of the world’s largest sustainable island tourism destinations, currently under development. The destination consists of eight islands and an onshore gate – providing a multitude of experiences encompassing a nature reserve, a cultural destination and a showcase for world-class environmental, conservation and ecological tourism, including the Arabian Wildlife Park.
Desert Islands will comprise Sir Bani Yas Island - the 87 square kilometre former private nature reserve of the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the historic 33 square kilometre Dalma Island, and the Discovery Islands – six nearby offshore outcrops.
Sir Bani Yas Island - originally conceived as a wildlife reserve more than 20 years ago to ensure the survival of some of Arabia’s most endangered species, this island is one of the greatest legacies of the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The 87 square kilometre natural island lies 170 kilometres offshore Abu Dhabi Island - the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and eight kilometres off the mainland. Sir Bani Yas Island is being developed with a focus on nature and adventure, and it will be a showcase of sustainability.
The Island is being developed sustainably through the Masdar Initiative, executed in conjunction with the government’s new Abu Dhabi future energy company to utilise solar and wind power. All water on Sir Bani Yas Island will be sourced from a new desalination plant. Transport on the islands will be via electric vehicles or similar energy saving vehicles (hydrogen, fuel cell) and buildings will utilise the best available sustainable designs to reduce the need for non-renewable resources. The plan also includes a range of hospitality accommodation from five-star hotels to small family resorts.
The Discovery Islands are formed by six individual islands. Their surrounding seas, rich in marine life, will be a world class example of environmental conservation and ecological tourism. The Islands will offer the highest level of service and accommodation in a setting and experience not to be found within a 3000-kilometre radius. The beaches are all naturally beautiful and secluded and the waters will provide those snorkelling with clear and uninterrupted views of pristine sea life. Two islands will be reserved to provide birds and turtles with undisturbed breeding grounds while another two will be developed into exclusive boutique resorts. The remaining islands will provide a shared habitat, offering a camping experience delivering the authenticity of untouched and deserted islands.
Dalma Island is approximately 33 square kilometres in size and lies 32 kilometres offshore. It will provide a true heritage experience being rich in history and archaeological finds and where traditional fishing, farming and aquaculture livelihoods continue. Currently Dalma Island is home to around 5,000 UAE nationals working as grass farmers. The number has gradually declined from over 7,000 some 50 years ago. Dalma will have an archaeological museum and a tourism and hospitality school. The fertile island will also be home to an agricultural research and education centre focused on new technology and integrated alternative energy sources.
Dalma Island will also include an educational facility and community centres, providing local residents with state-of-the-art training facilities to help them become involved in the tourism industry.
Desert Islands will be linked to the main Abu Dhabi island and the Abu Dhabi mainland via boats, water taxis, private ‘resort’ boat services, regional planes and sea planes - making the destination easily accessible.
Desert Islands is being developed by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), an independent public joint stock company of which Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is the sole shareholder. TDIC has estimated total investment from both the government and private sector at over US $3 billion (AED 11.5 billion).
