Das Island
Das Island is an Emirati island in the Persian Gulf. It lies about north-west of the UAE mainland; Qatar is also close by. It covers approximately by, and was almost rectangular in shape, but was significantly expanded to the south by artificial additions for a new runway and new accommodation in 2016.
Das Island is inhabited by about 6,000 oil and gas industry personnel on a rotational schedule. It exports crude oil and liquefied natural gas by tankers as far as Japan and Europe. Oil production began after prospecting during 1956-1960 by Abu Dhabi Marine Areas, a joint venture between BP and Compagnie Française des Pétroles. Local exporting companies now all fall under the Abu Dhabi [National Oil Company] brand, including ADNOC Offshore, ADNOC LNG and other companies. Das Island airport is the only airport on the island, and the runway was expanded and relocated in 2018.
Das Island is a noted breeding site for turtles and seabirds. Despite oil and gas production, turtles still feed safely in the area and Das Island has remained an important landfall for migrant animals.