Sir Bani Yas Island for photographers

Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the best choices for photographers.

Suitability: ★★★★★

Sir Bani Yas is a natural island of about 87 km² in Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra region, with more than half given over to wildlife conservation. Its Arabian Wildlife Park holds free-roaming Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs.

Why Sir Bani Yas Island for photographers?

• Chances to photograph oryx, gazelles, giraffes, cheetahs and hyenas.
• The best light is in the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset.

What awaits you in Sir Bani Yas Island

• 4x4 safaris in the Arabian Wildlife Park
• Arabian oryx, giraffes and cheetahs roaming free
• Kayaking and snorkelling in protected marine areas
• Ruins of an early church and monastery found in the 1990s
• Horse riding on dunes and beaches

Wildlife you may encounter: oryx, gazelles, giraffes, cheetahs, hyenas and birdlife.

Suggested time on the ground: 2 to 3 days. It is about a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi to Jebel Dhanna jetty, then a boat transfer, about 3–3.5 hours in total. Day visits and safaris are booked in advance through the island resorts' activities team.

Activities that fit

game drives.

When to go

The best period overall is December to February.

Visit Abu Dhabi names November to March as the best time to visit the island.

Other destinations for photographers

• Khor Al Adaid Qatar
• Sharqiya Sands Oman
• Liwa United Arab Emirates
• Empty Quarter Saudi Arabia
• AlUla Saudi Arabia
• Edge of the World Saudi Arabia

Full Sir Bani Yas Island guideBest safaris for photographers

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: Visit Abu Dhabi – Sir Bani Yas Island · Visit Abu Dhabi – Arabian Wildlife Park · Weather Spark – Ar Ruways climate (nearest mainland reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.