New state-of-the-art riding facility opens on Sir Bani Yas Island, enriching the Desert Islands Experience

Abu Dhabi, Mar 18, 2012 (WAM) - Desert Islands announced the opening of the impressive Sir Bani Yas Stables on the heritage-rich Sir Bani Yas Island in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. The state-of-the-art horse riding facility, located next to Desert Islands Resort '&' Spa by Anantara, has capacity for 30 horses, and is home to a range of highly-talented horses of different breeds from Arabia and around the world. Wholly-managed by Anantara, the renowned Asian hospitality group, and developed and owned by Tourism Development '&' Investment Company (TDIC), the modern, purpose-built stables were designed with a strong focus on protecting the environment, and feature sustainable lighting and irrigation. With facilities consisting of two stable barns, six sand paddocks, two large grass paddocks, a lunge ring, a covered riding arena, training ring and riding ring, the stables will provide a five-star equestrian experience. The stables feature a variety of horseback riding activities and lessons, each tailored to meet individual needs and abilities. This fantastic new facility for equestrian lovers offers horses that are trained in dressage and western riding, while those who wish to try riding for the first time are also catered to. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the horses and the heritage of Arabian horses within the UAE, and experience a unique perspective of the island's Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to an array of wildlife species including Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle, Cattle Egret and Peacocks. Ahmed Al Fahim, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, Sales '&' Leasing at TDIC comments on the opening: "TDIC is delighted to add this new adventure facility to Sir Bani Yas Island, and we are committed to promoting the island as a world-leading, environmentally-friendly destination. A number of other facilities will be launched later this year to enhance our visitors' experience, including the Desert Islands Watersports Centre and the Desert Islands Conference Centre.'' Laura Jane MacLucas, Equestrian Coordinator at Anantara, comments: "Sir Bani Yas Stables will make horseback riding accessible for people of all abilities, and allow a unique equestrian experience, from riding along the island beach, to exploring the Arabian Wildlife Park on horseback. This is the only-known facility of its kind in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, and will therefore play an important role in enhancing the offerings of Sir Bani Yas Island to international guests, local communities, the region itself and in communicating local heritage." "We are also extremely lucky to have some fantastic horses from various backgrounds and of different breeds. These include Ronan, a pure Arabian ex-show horse that is a very good example of its breed due to its extravagant movement, and Cachorra, a bay Polo pony from South America that had an extremely successful Polo career, including playing in Gold Cups, before coming to Bani Yas Stables," she says. - Emirates News Agency, WAM