Anantara resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island are taking guests on an unforgettable journey to explore Emirati culture and heritage on its Culture and History Drive.

Sir Bani Yas Island is the Royal Nature Reserve established by the late ruler and founder of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Located on the 87 sq km island, Anantara manages three resorts. The family friendly Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is decked out in state-of-the-art amenities and styled with eye-catching Arabian touches and antiquities echoing the UAE’s culture and history. Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort is reminiscent of an ancient Pearl Fishing village with contemporary style and Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort is nestled within an Arabian Wildlife Park with an African lodge-like ambience.

Sir Bani Yas Island was first mentioned in European literature around 1590, when the Venetian jeweller Gasparo Balbi listed “Sirbeniast” as an island around which pearls were often found. It was also described in some more detail by British Navy officers who surveyed the lower Gulf waters during the 18th century. Forty-two phenomenal archaeological sites have been discovered on Sir Bani Yas Island since it was first conquered by the “Bani Yas tribe”. Each site provides a distinct insight into the island’s history. One of the oldest sites that have been found on the Island are the remains of a Nestorian Christian monastery, dating back to the late 6th Century AD.

Throughout the enlightening 1.5 hour activity, guests are accompanied by expert guides who share their vast knowledge on the history of the island. Here, guests can appreciate where Sheikh Zayed spent his time within the island and learn about his heritage, his considerable contributions to the island and his initiative to preserve the island’s natural habitat. During the compelling tour, guests will be served refreshments typical of the Arabic Culture such as coffee and dates, whilst learning the traditions and etiquette of drinking fresh coffee. At the end of the tour, guests are invited to leave their own legacy by planting a mangrove seedling on Sir Bani Yas Island.

The culture and history tour is priced at Dh235 ($63.9) for adults and AED 100 ($27.2) for children and is available for all Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island guests. Tours are available twice a day at 11 am and 4 pm.

Anantara offers a choice of three luxury resorts at Sir Bani Yas Island. For the month of April, rates start at Dh1,400 ($381) for a one night stay at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara for two.

To book the culture and history tour, call Anantara Activities at Sir Bani Yas Island on 02 801 5266 or email activitiesdirs@anantara.com. - TradeArabia News Service