Sir Bani Yas Island is part of the Al Gharbia region of the United Arab Emirates. The island is 17.5 km long and 9 km wide. It is the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates.
The name Sir Bani Yas originates from the Bani Yas tribe, who first inhabited Abu Dhabi. Sir Bani Yas is the crest of a salt dome created millions of years ago by natural geological forces.
After decades of conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. There is a bird sanctuary and a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
Wildlife Drive in Sir Bani Yas
Sir Baniyas Island Arabian Wildlife Park
Arabian Wildlife Park, which takes up about half of Sir Bani Yas,showcases roaming giraffes, cheetahs and gazelles. They roam freely while the island remains open for visitors.
Salt dome hills define the island’s desert interior. The coast features beaches, sea kayak routes and a shipwreck.
Sir Baniyas Island archeological sites
Thirty-six archeological sites have been discovered throughout Sir Bani Yas, each providing a distinct insight into the island’s history. One of the oldest sites is the remains of a Nestorian Christian monastery which dates back to 600 AD, which is now carefully preserved.
The island is also the location of the only pre-Islamic Christian site to be found in the UAE. The 7th-century Christian church was opened to the public in mid-December 2010. It was discovered in 1992 and has been the focus of archaeological investigation under a team led by Dr. Joseph Elders. According to Dr. Joseph Elders the church was used by Nestorian Christians until about 750 AD.
Sir Baniyas Island archeological sites
Sir Baniyas Island Tourism
The Island was named “Best Sustainable Global Tourism Destination” by the World Tourism Awards 2014. It regularly hosts exciting activities and events, while also boasting exquisite hotels, luxury villas and historical sites. Sir Baniyas Island was opened to weekend tourists. These tours soon became so popular that visits would often have to be booked over one year in advance.
In 2007, the Government of Abu Dhabi established the Desert Islands, bringing together Sir Bani Yas, neighboring Dalma Island, and six surrounding sandy outcrops into one destination. Sir Bani Yas and Dalma Islands are developed and can be visited, but the 6 discovery islands are currently closed to the public.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara with 64 rooms including six private lodges is located on the northwest reaches of the island. The resort is also home to three restaurants, a spa, health club, kids club and business facilities.
Sir Baniyas Island
Sir Baniyas Island cruise
Several cruise lines, in particular MSC Cruises, use a small section of the island as a Private island destination on week long cruises. The section contains beaches and several bar and buffet areas. The MSC Beach includes a delicious barbecue lunch of succulent burgers and other grilled delights, fresh salads and vegetables, pastries and fruit. And you can enjoy cocktails, ice-cold beers and soft drinks from the island’s six bars.
MSC Aurea Spa provides massage or beauty treatment. The inflatable water park and kids’ play area will keep children happy all day.
Sir Baniyas Island wind turbine
Sir Baniyas Island wind turbine
The island operates a wind turbine, with a production capacity of 850 kilowatts.The island also uses solar energy to power part of the staff accommodation which is not currently connected to the national electricity grid.
Mar Thoma Parish church of Dubai is located in the Jebel Ali area in the Emirate of Dubai. Established in 1969 by a small group of believers who came from Kerala, the parish serves under the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam Diocese of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church of India. Today, with a membership of around 2200 families, the Church serves the spiritual needs of the Mar Thoma families in this city. With Holy Communion services both in Malayalam and English, the church has four worship services every week.
Mar Thoma Sevika Sangham for women
Sevika Sangham within the Mar Thoma Church, is for all the women who are part of the church. Sevika Sangham organises Talent’s Day, Christmas programmes, family picnics and competitions for members.
Dubai Mar Thoma Church Sunday School for children
The Dubai Mar Thoma Church Sunday School for children is held after the holy communion service on Fridays and Saturdays for members, which involves various activities and festivals such as art festivals, summer camps and vacation Bible schools.
Dubai Mar Thoma church
Dubai Mar Thoma Church beginnings
In the 1960s, Dubai witnessed an influx of residents from India, seeking better trade and job prospects, which included a number of Christians from Kerala. Thus, in 1969, the Dubai Mar Thoma Church was established by 130 Marthomites, who met as a group in the Our Own English School in Bur Dubai.
As the church members grew in number, the Dubai Mar Thoma Church moved its communion services from the school to the compound of the Holy Trinity Church in Oud Metha. However, in 1999, the Government of Dubai granted 20,000 sq.ft of land to construct the Dubai Mar Thoma Parish, and the first service was held on the new premises in 2001.
In November 2018, the parish celebrated its 50 years of congregation in the UAE.
Mar Thoma Church History in Kerala
The Mar Thoma (St. Thomas) Christians of Malabar (Kerala) are one of the earliest Christian communities in the world and as old as the Church in Rome and older than the Church of England. It is traditionally believed that St. Thomas, an Apostle of Jesus Christ came to India in A. D. 52 and landed at Kodungalloor, which was a port near Cochin, on the Malabar coast. According to tradition the ‘Namboodiri Brahmins’ were attracted to the new teaching and several of them received baptism. A few families among them were chosen to be responsible for the government of the new Christian community. Mar Thoma then continued his mission and reached the east coast of India. He died a martyr’s death at a place called St. Thomas Mount and was buried at Mylapore in Madras (Chennai). His relics were taken to Edessa in A.D. 232.
The following churches in UAE belong to Mar Thoma Parish: Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Mar Thoma Parish Dubai – Dubai Mar Thoma Parish Sharjah – Sharjah Mar Thoma Parish Al Ain – Mar Thoma Church Al Ain Fujairah – Immanuel Mar Thoma Parish Fujairah Ras Al Khaimah – St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church.
There are several entertainment options in Dubai and one of them is the Wonder Maze. This is the place for you if you love solving puzzles and navigating through labyrinths. The challenge is for the buffs to find their way out, before passing through the intricate and puzzling pathways. Navigating the maze is challenging, but there are clues spread all along the route to help participants to find their way. You will face many twists and even dead ends in this larger-than-life labyrinth.
The Wonder Maze Location
The Wonder Maze operates in the UAE at Al Ain Zoo, Riverland Dubai and Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. This shows that the Wonder Maze is a popular pastime.
The Wonder Maze
The mobile wonder maze
This is the largest mobile maze in the world covering 2,787 square meters. The maze is designed in modules so that nearly 3000 meters of paths could be changed frequently, ensuring no two trips are the same. At the centre is a five-meter high viewing platform. There’s also a “Quick Exit” there, for those who want to leave the maze without having to walk all the way back out again.
The Wonder Maze challenge
The attraction is suitable for all age groups and is pegged as a family activity that tests a participant’s sense of direction and memory. Wonder Maze will test your sense of direction and memory as you find your way to the center or reward. It is a significant mental and physical challenge.
The Wonder Maze Goal
Your goal is to get to the center of the Wonder Maze which is basically the five-meter high viewing platform. From the platform you can take a good look at what you’ve accomplished. At the centre point, you will also find a quick exit, from where you can easily walk out of the maze. Generally, it takes about 45 to 50 minutes to solve the puzzle.
The Wonder Maze For Schools
Dubai Wonder Maze offers a special discount for schools as it is is an excellent option for an outdoor school activity. The school packages include a dedicated tour guide, complimentary 3D maze puzzle, personalised certificate, maze games and complimentary vouchers for future visits.
