Sir Bani Yas Island on a budget

Sir Bani Yas Island is not the first choice on a budget; other destinations may suit you better.

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 on a budget?

• Budget options are relatively limited here.
• Travelling by road instead of flying in keeps costs down.

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. For quieter months and often better value, try October.

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

Other destinations on a budget

• Al Marmoom United Arab Emirates
• Al Areen Bahrain
• Dubai Desert United Arab Emirates
• Sharqiya Sands Oman
• Hatta United Arab Emirates
• Mleiha United Arab Emirates

Full Sir Bani Yas Island guideBest safaris on a budget

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.