The UAE has a rich landscape. There are many localities that are still unknown to the world. But their beauty demands them to be known and explored. Sir Bu Nair Island is one such beautiful and protected sanctuary. This island looks straight out of a period movie scene.
Sir Bu Nair Island is 112 km off the coast of Sharjah. On Arabian Gulf waters, this island has a rich habitat. Many endangered species thrive here. It was recently opened for visitors so they can cherish the beauty in its raw form.
Sir Bu Nair Island Sharjah
This horseshoe-shaped place is untouched and strangely off-limits. Make a list of the most attractive landscapes in the UAE and this island will rank higher in it. This volcanic island looks amazing just by the sight of it. Those white hilly walls, deer running around, and white sands… It looks like magic happening in real life.
This 4 km island is just 85 km away from the north coast of Abu Dhabi. It’s 110 km away from the west coast of Sharjah. Not that easily accessible!
This island was recently opened for visitors during the Sir Bu Nair festival. As part of the events of the festival, free sea trips were offered by the Shurooq project. Now once a year visitors will get to touch those white sandy shores and experience the biodiversity.
There is a reason for protecting this place. It’s not a typical island with beautiful shores. This island is home to treasured species. It is a living museum. One of the region’s most environmentally sensitive places. As you cannot visit this island easily. It’s far from human touch and still in its raw and legendary era.
This unique landscape has raised many eyebrows. Like explorers have found a hidden gem. As this island is volcanic, it’s millions of years old. Researchers are calling it “One of the most geologically significant islands in the Gulf.”
The life here is diverse and unique. The rare hawksbill turtles thrive here. There are coral reefs, clear waters and sea life.
Protecting Rare Turtles
Environmentalists are paying attention to this island. It is one of the largest hawksbill turtle nesting sites in the entire Indian Ocean region. And one of the biggest in the world! Imagine hundreds of turtles crawling into sand to lay their eggs. This island is not just a nesting spot. It’s survival for endangered species.
Recently this island was recognized by UNESCO for being a nature reserve. This is why it’s not open for visitors throughout the year. It has to stay protected. A place where wildlife gets priority over humans.
A Paradise For Bird Lovers
Migratory birds from all continents stay here. You see species from Africa, Asia, and Europe. This island is a migratory bird hub.
Or
Call it a “bird airport.” Without tickets, obviously!
You can spot
- Sooty gulls
- Bridled terns
- Flamingos
- Reef herons
- And more than 50 recorded species
During the migratory season the skies get filled with birds. This is an unmatched experience for bird watchers.
The Underwater World
This island is the Maldives of the UAE. The rich colorful underwater life is amazing. One gets lost in the beauty. This is only because the place is still raw. It is undisturbed by humans.
As this island is far from human reach, species that grow in silent waters thrive here. Here you can find some rare coral formation. The turtles and dolphins swim in crystal water. Synchronized fishes look like a movie scene from Nemo.
The Tales To Tell
Well, this is the island you see in movies. With buried gold and lost pirate ships. Researchers have found ancient pottery and old ship anchors. There is some evidence of Portuguese maritime presence and trading routes. So the best theory suggests that this island was a maritime checkpoint centuries ago. Sailors used this checkpoint to navigate gulf waters.
This island has red soil. Locals sometimes call it Jazirat al-Hulool. This means “Island of Solutions.” There are multiple pieces of folklore associated with the place. Some even say that the island protects itself and wants to stay lost and untouched.
Why Is Everyone Not Allowed to Visit?
For obvious reasons! This is closed to the public because “untouched” is what the place stands for. Tourism will destroy its habitat. The fragile ecosystem hangs in the balance. Too many crowds and human presence will interrupt it.
Turtles won’t lay eggs. It will damage coral reefs and disturb migratory birds. This rare ecosystem will be polluted. Sadly, we as human beings have earned this “stay away” title from nature.
We all know how the UAE is all for green improvements. Protecting this island is part of that. Only
- researchers
- environmental experts
- and the annual Sir Bu Nair Festival participants
- can visit under strict rules. The less people go, the more the island grows in legend.
Will Bu Nair ever be open to sustainable tourism? Who knows? Maybe it will be possible in the future. But if it does open, it will be gentle. The experience will be slow and nature-first. There will never be resorts or commercial places here.
The Annual Sir Bu Nair Festival
UAE management holds this event once a year. Visitors are allowed to this island under strict guidelines. As part of the festival event, mostly environmental groups, cultural organizations, and marine experts can visit. Participants are offered guided tours and marine experiences. You have to have permits to be part of the festival.
This festival is not a party. It’s a heritage celebration to raise awareness. This festival also highlights important things like conservation, fishing traditions, and wildlife documentation. It’s part science, part tradition, and part symbolic pilgrimage.
Redefining “LUXURY TRAVEL” without luxury
This island is not your tourist destination where you will stay in luxury resorts and enjoy beach time. It’s a pure experience of witnessing nature. Here luxury is “zero humans”.
To be honest, human beings are fascinated by restricted zones. People love secrets and mystery. Who knows, we will find new film subjects on the topic. This kind of destination becomes instantly viral on social media. Because untouched places are becoming rare.
Impact on the UAE’s environmental future
This island is proof of how the UAE is transforming rapidly. They are focusing on clean energy and protected habitats. That’s how you save the world. Little by little and taking steps that matter. The government promotes sustainable tourism.
It stands as
- A model of conservation.
- Proof how Sharjah is committed to sustainability.
- Evidence that the Gulf’s ecological history is richer than people think.
- A reminder that development and protection can coexist.
- A symbol of future ecotourism projects.
By preserving it, Sharjah is safeguarding a future of humanity.
The “Untouched Beauty”
Sir Bu Nair Island is a protected island in the waters of the Gulf Ocean. The place is not easily accessible. Which is why nature thrives here. The ecosystem is rich. It provides a home to rare species and migratory birds. We can celebrate its existence just by cherishing the fact that somewhere in UAE waters nature is living in its pure form. If you want to visit, maybe the Sir bu Nair Festival is your ticket to the place.
