The focus of Abu Dhabi's showcase island is Sir Bani Yas Island. It lies off the coast of the Al Gharbia region and is not man-made. The government is planning on building luxury resorts while maintaining the natural beauty of the island.
Abu Dhabi is a wealthy emirate, but it doesn't seem to be going the man-made route that Dubai has taken. Perhaps they are banking on tourists being turned off by having all the glitz and glamour of Dubai forced down their throats.
The island project will include other islands in the area as well. Previously unexplored Discovery Island and Dalma Island are also slated to see construction. All islands can only be reached by boat or floatplane. That will serve to maintain an exclusive vibe around the new resorts.
The resorts are expected to resemble those on the Indian Ocean islands of the Maldives. The focus of resorts will be to give clientele numerous options including trekking and land rover tours of the arid inland parts of the island as well as traditional water sports and spa services.
The first resort on Bani Yas opened recently. It is the Desert Islands Resort and Spa. The resort is already making bold predictions, saying its upscale services will attract a quarter of a million people per year. There are also plans for golf courses and luxury villas for sale, rent or time-share.
The island resorts will follow the theme that Abu Dhabi seems intent on staying with: more natural, more cultural, and easily differentiated from Dubai. It remains to be seen whether this strategy will bring the tourists.
