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About Desert Islands:

The Desert Islands destination - which lies off the emirate's western coastline - is one of the world's largest sustainable island tourism destinations, currently under development. The island lies 250 kms offshore Abu Dhabi Island (250 kms by road / 170 kms by sea) - the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The island will consist of eight islands and an onshore gate - providing a multitude of experiences encompassing a nature reserve, a cultural destination and a showcase for world-class environmental, conservation and ecological tourism, including the Arabian National Park.

Desert Islands will comprise the former 87 square km of Royal Nature Reserve of Sir Bani Yas Island, the historical 33 square km of Dalma Island, and the Discovery Islands - six nearby offshore outcrops.

Sir Bani Yas Island - originally conceived as a wildlife reserve over 20 years ago to ensure the survival of some of Arabia's most endangered species - is one of Sheikh Zayed's greatest legacies. The 87 square kilometre natural island lies 170 kilometres offshore Abu Dhabi Island - the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and 8 kilometres off the mainland. Island is being developed with focus on nature, and adventure, and it will be a showcase of sustainability.

The Island is being developed sustainably through the Masdar Initiative executed in conjunction with the government's new Abu Dhabi future energy company to utilise solar and wind power throughout Island. All water on Sir Bani Yas Island will be sourced from a new desalination plant. Transport on the islands will be via electrical vehicles or similar energy saving vehicles (hydrogen, fuel cell) and Buildings will be built using the best available sustainable designs, which will lead to a reduction in the use of non-renewable resources. The plan also includes five-star hotels to small family resorts. The first hotel, the Arabian National Park and a number of visitor activities are expected to be open by 2008.

The Discovery Islands are formed by six individual islands and their surrounding seas, rich in marine life, will be a world class example of environmental conservation and ecological tourism. The Islands will offer the highest level of service and accommodation in a setting and experience not to be found within a 3000km radius. The beaches are all naturally beautiful and secluded and the waters will provide those snorkeling with clear and uninterrupted views of pristine sea life. Two Islands will be reserved to provide birds and turtles with undisturbed breeding grounds and two islands will be developed into exclusive 'mini resorts' and remaining islands will provide a shared habitat, offering a camping experience delivering the authenticity of untouched and deserted islands.

Dalma Island is approximately 33 square kms in size and lies 32 kilometres offshore. It will provide a true heritage experience being rich in history and archaeological finds and where traditional fishing, farming and aquaculture livelihoods continue. Currently Dalma Island accommodates more than 5000 nationals.

The island will also include a 'Centre of Excellence' educational facility and community centres, providing local residents with state-of-the-art educational facilities to help them become involved in the tourism industry.

Desert Islands is expected to attract around 250000 visitors when the first phase is complete in 2010, rising to over a million a year - a mix of day trippers and overnight stayers - by 2020.Desert Islands will be linked to the main Abu Dhabi island and the Abu Dhabi mainland via ferry, high-speed boats, water taxis, private 'resort' boat services, regional planes and sea planes making the destination easily accessible.

Desert Islands is being developed by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), an independent public joint stock company of which Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority is the sole shareholder. TDIC has estimated total investment from both the government and private sector over US $3 billion (AED 11.5 billion).

About Tourism Development & Investment Company
Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is Abu Dhabi's leading tourism asset developer and the name behind some of the world's most significant tourism projects. Its flagship development is Saadiyat Island, a 27 square kilometre natural island lying just 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The island is being transformed into a signature leisure, cultural and residential destination. TDIC is also behind the unique Desert Islands project, one of the world's largest sustainable island tourism destinations currently under development.

TDIC will develop the real estate assets that support Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority's (ADTA) mission of assisting UAE economic diversification through tourism development. The company launched with an initial paid-up capital of AED100 million ($27.5m) with its shareholding fully owned by ADTA, operates along strictly commercial lines with its projects being self-sustaining and economically feasible.

TDIC's activities include creating development and tourism related concepts for specific sites and locations, disposing of, or repositioning, government-owned tourism related assets, entering into joint ventures with investment partners for assets such as hotels or residential products, as well as serving as the master developer for large scale projects.

For further information:
Bassem Terkawi
PR & Communications Manager, TDIC
Tel: +9712 4443000
fax: +9712 4443111
or
Barbara Saunders, MCS/Action
Tel: +9714 390 2960
Fax: +9714 390 8161