Celebrating nature: Sir Bani Yas Island marks 6th year - in pictures

A reticulated giraffe, also known as the Somali giraffe, roams across the nature and wildlife reserve on the Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the largest natural island in the UAE, as seen on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014. Silvia Razgova / The National

An Arabian Oryx, a critically endangered species, is seen during a dawn nature and wildlife drive on Wednesday morning, Nov. 26, 2014, which is one of the many activities offered to visitors on the Sir Bani Yas Island. Silvia Razgova / The National

Visitors set out for their mountain bike ride, which is one of the many activities offered to visitors on the Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the largest natural island in the UAE. Silvia Razgova / The National

Visitors paddle away while kayaking, which is one of the many activities offered to visitors on the Sir Bani Yas Island. Silvia Razgova / The National

Visitors make sure to record every moment during a falcon show, which are amongst the many activities offered to visitors on the Sir Bani Yas Island, one of the largest natural island in the UAE. Silvia Razgova / The National

Falconer Said Lalbakh baits a falcon during a falcon show,which is one of the many activities offered to visitors on the Sir Bani Yas Island. Silvia Razgova / The National

Fiona Kiernan, manager at the Sir Bani Yas Island stables, visits with Ronana, a UAE-bred Arabian. Sir Bani Yas stables offer horse riding lessons for beginners and riding packages for experienced equestrian lovers. Silvia Razgova / The National

This week marks Sir Bani Yas Island’s sixth year as one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

What was once a private nature reserve created by Sheikh Zayed, the founding President, is now visited by thousands of people.

Visitors are no doubt drawn to the island’s luxury resorts and pristine beaches, but more so by its remarkable collection of animals living in the wild.

Developed by Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company, the 87-square-kilometre island off the Western Region is home to about 13,000 animals, including wild cheetahs.

To mark the anniversary, the island has added attractions including a daily falconry show and land-sailing classes, using a three-wheeled sail vehicle powered by the wind.

For those who wish to experience a truly memorable night under the stars, a camping excursion can be arranged with the Desert Islands Watersports Centre, which will pick the perfect place in an area nestled between the lagoon and hills of Sir Bani Yas.

Photojournalist Silvia Razgova visited the island for the anniversary, bringing back these images of life and and its thriving population of oryx, gazelles, deer, ostriches, giraffes and cheetahs.