Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi translates to “Island of Happiness”. It is an amazing place where all the grandeur of modern art, architecture and nature is brought to life. This unique island is one of the most prestigious and exclusive places for holidays and accommodation. Covering an area of 27 km2, the island is just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport and an hour from Dubai.
The picturesque beaches on Saadiyat Island are reminiscent of the “Arabian Maldives” with their fine white sand and gradual descent into the water, allowing you to enjoy the amazing beauty of the turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. There are five hotel-owned beaches on the island, as well as the public beaches of Soul, Kai and Saadiyat Beach Club. Each has sunbeds, umbrellas and eating areas. The beaches have become popular with travellers and beach lovers from all over the world. Walking along the shore, swimming in the warm sea and the beauty of the surrounding nature make a stay on Saadiyat an unforgettable experience.
The island is home to six premium hotels and resorts. There are global brands such as St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel, as well as national brands including Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and Saadiyat Rotana Resort. A special holiday destination is the boutique hotel located on the private island of Nurai Island.
The unique feature of the island is its protected wildlife ecosystem. During the trip, tourists can see animals in their natural habitat. Due to the care and conservation of the environment, the island is home to over 300 species of birds, Arabian gazelles and rare Biss turtles. The coastal waters are rich in marine life, including dolphins, which can be seen on some of the island’s beaches.
Saadiyat Island Attractions
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the most famous symbols of the island, a branch of the legendary Louvre Museum in Paris. It is a place that amazes with its architecture and the collection of artworks on display here. The museum’s galleries on Saadiyat Island reflect the amalgamation of cultures from different eras and nations, presenting various artefacts, iconic works of art, prehistoric tools, religious texts and contemporary works. Masterpieces from the Renaissance, Classicism, Mannerism, Surrealism and other art movements can be seen here. The museum’s exhibitions are constantly updated, so visitors can discover something new on each visit.
You can visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi with us on a personalised or VIP tour of Abu Dhabi or as part of our Abu Dhabi theme park tours.
The Abrahamic Family House is a symbol of the diversity of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, bringing together people of different faiths. It comprises three separate houses of worship – the Eminence Ahmed El Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church Abu Dhabi and Moses Ben-Maimon Synagogue – as well as common areas for gathering and dialogue. Entry to Abraham’s Family House is free, but visits should be pre-booked.
Manarat al Saadiyat Gallery is a unique venue that brings together art, culture and social events to explore exhibitions, exchange ideas, enjoy fine dining and attend public lectures. Manarat al Saadiyat features an outdoor terrace, café and three exhibition galleries, as well as a photography studio, art studio and gift shop. The venue for the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair.
Saadiyat Island is also home to pending museums such as:
– Zayed National Museum (Zayed National Museum),
– Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum,
– Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi,
– TeamLab Phenomena Museum of Contemporary Technology and Art.
These unique institutions offer visitors an amazing immersion into history, art, science and technology, offering a wide range of exhibitions and interactive displays.
Saadiyat also offers a wide range of entertainment and outdoor activities including water sports, diving, yachting and more. Visitors to the island can also visit:
– various restaurants, cafes and shops;
– year-round programmes of cultural, sporting and leisure activities, as well as various workshops:
– The Par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club – the Gulf’s first world-class 18-hole coastal golf course;
– Mamsha Al Saadiyat promenade with premium restaurants and bars;
– Yas Island attractions – Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and CLYMB Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is a unique island that offers limitless opportunities to relax and enjoy life. It is able to cater to the desires of a diverse range of visitors, offering a variety of leisure activities from immersing yourself in cultural heritage and enjoying fine dining to relaxing holidays in luxury resorts surrounded by unspoilt natural beaches. Visitors to Saadiyat can experience harmony and bliss, savour the beauty of its landscapes and marvel at the grandeur of human creativity.
