Sir BAni YAS iSlAnd SiTe wide inTerPreTATion | final drAfT concept | june 9, 2011 | Page 10

Natural History A Unique Environment

The distinct geology, fauna, flora and ecology of Sir Bani Yas have created an Island like no other in

the Arabian Peninsula.

Environmental Interactions

An Evolving Place

Sir Bani Yas Island has attracted, and been shaped by, diverse inhabitants and visitors.

Sheikh ZayedThe Royal Connection

Sir Bani Yas Island was a special place for Sheikh Zayed and his family.

Sir Bani YasIsland in the Making

Zayed’s Conservation

A Defining Vision

Sheikh Zayed’s vision of conservation, rooted in traditional Arabian

falconry, has transformed Sir Bani Yas Island into a

wildlife sanctuary.

Heritage PreservationHistory Matters

Sir Bani Yas Island’s developments reflect the

value Sheikh Zayed placed on Emirati heritage and culture.

Human HistoryFrom Past to Present

For over 7000 years, Sir Bani Yas Island has welcomed many people

to its shores from the Arabian peninsula and around the world.

2.1 ConCeptUaL approaCh

the conceptual approach presents the overview of the Story of Sir Bani Yas, the big-picture organization that focuses messaging and defines the design character across the island. this conceptual approach is instrumental in organizing all exhibits into a unified and thematically coherent visitor experience.

Sir Bani Yas—island in the makingthe proposed concept for Sir Bani Yas is “island in the Making.” essentially, the concept represents the convergence of the manifold arrivals to Sir Bani Yas over time—from people and wildlife to events and ideas that have defined and transformed the island’s living environment from prehistoric times to the present, continuing to shape and reshape the island to this very day.

as pictured in the diagram opposite, these arrivals can be grouped in terms of three pillars: natural history, human history and Sheikh Zayed. interpretation of the convergence of these pillars makes up the key chapters of the Sir Bani Yas Story.

natural history, human history & Sheikh Zayedthe natural history pillar of the Sir Bani Yas Story is a dynamic tale about the island’s environment, which has mushroomed from an austere desert biome to an island teeming with introduced flora and fauna species. the human history narrative spans the origins of a regional maritime culture, through to the island’s current status as a conservation centre and visitor destination. the third pillar of the Story is the Uae’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. his special regard for the island—as a place long cherished by, and connected to, his Bani Yas forbears—has ensured the preservation of Sir Bani Yas for future generations.

Zayed’s conservation—ADefiningVisionSir Bani Yas as we recognize it today has its roots in the arrival of Sheikh Zayed and the implementation of his conservation vision. it was his approach to conservation that led to the introduction of the island’s signature animals, as well as the major afforestation projects that have transformed the landscape and attracted new migrating and resident bird species.

environmental interactions—AnEvolvingPlacethe story of arrivals is not limited to Sheikh Zayed, however. the arrival of people and ideas to the island over thousands of years all make up some part of the Story of Sir Bani Yas—from ancient pearl divers and fishermen who lived off the resources of the land, to contemporary ecologists and conservationists who are working today to evolve Sheikh Zayed’s original conservation vision. Visitors themselves constitute a chapter in the arrival story, as essential participants in Sir Bani Yas’ latest manifestation.

heritage Preservation—HistoryMattersthe preservation of emirati heritage is another active chapter of the Sir Bani Yas Story. Sheikh Zayed placed a priority on the study and preservation of the Uae’s past, and initiated development of the abu dhabi islands archaeological Survey to delve into the prehistory of Sir Bani Yas and surrounding islands. the link between the island and abu dhabi’s formative Bani Yas Confederacy forms an important facet of the emirati national narrative. the ongoing excavation and preservation of important archaeological sites, including a significant early Christian monastery, reflect the continuing care for emirati heritage that is an integral part of the island’s current development.

Conceptual organization

CONCEPTUAL ORGANIZATION

Sir Bani Yas IslandSir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates

Multiple threads woven into a single story Sir Bani Yas embodies a unique confluence of essential stories from the Emirati national fabric. Formed by an ascending salt diapir, the island is home to some of the oldest exposed rocks in the UAE. It also has a long history of human habitation, and has been the meeting place of important historical forces. Most significantly, the island stands as the UAE’s first articulation of Emirati conservation principles, established as a wildlife sanctuary by Sheikh Zayed in 1971 to preserve endangered species.

APA developed a site wide concept for Sir Bani Yas Island that weaves these components of the island’s multifaceted history into a meaningful interpretive concept and overarching storyline. The concept draws connections between the island’s many legacies, tying together its geological, natural, cultural and environmental history. Indoor and outdoor interpretative experiences were conceptualized to inspire wonder for the island’s distinct topography, its diverse flora and fauna, its long record of human settlement and its central significance to the nation’s conservation movement.