The Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), commemorated on Wednesday the achievements of Desert Islands first year of operations.

The destination was launched as part of Abu Dhabi Government’s strategic socio-economic vision to boost employment, education and investment opportunities among UAE nationals in the Western Region.

To date, over 25,000 guests from around the world have visited Sir Bani Yas Island, out of which 17,000 stayed at Desert Islands Resort and Spa. There were 34,000 adventure activities carried out by visitors throughout the year. These include nature and wildlife drives, kayaking, snorkeling, archery, game walks and mountain biking.

Desert Islands - an archipelago of eight natural islands consisting of Sir Bani Yas Island, the historical Dalma Island and the previously unexplored Discovery Islands - is situated in the Arabian Gulf, approximately eight kilometers from Abu Dhabi’s western coastline in the Al Gharbia region.

A few months after its opening, TDIC’s first resort, Desert Islands Resort and Spa located on Sir Bani Yas, was already making international headlines.

It was one of two hotels in the region to be named among the world’s 70 hottest hotels in the 2009 ’Hot List’ of Conde Nast Traveller magazine.

The opening of the 64-room boutique resort, managed by the award-winning Thai hospitality group Anantara, ensured that the Desert Islands is firmly placed on the global tourism map and marked the destination’s first phase of development.

"We are proud of the great achievements of Desert Islands in just one year of operations," stated Lee Tabler, Chief Executive Officer of TDIC.

"We have witnessed considerable progress in many aspects, particularly on an environmental, community development and tourism front. We have created a destination in harmony with the nature and wildlife indigenous to the region. Much more than just a tourism destination, Desert Islands aims to educate its visitors by ensuring they get a true taste of local culture and traditions that the Western Region has to offer", he added.

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