Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Cultural District is a part of Saadiyat Island and as the name suggests, this area is dedicated to the arts. Appreciated for its unique outlook on heritage and culture, this hub of art allows great artistic minds to come together and create unique architectural forms.

Adding to the extravaganza, Saadiyat Cultural District is facilitated with many conveniences, including upscale houses, commercial and retail developments, educational facilities, hotels and landmarks. These facilities play an essential role in attracting both local and international visitors. Moreover, it is conveniently located near the main highway, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street (E12), making commuting easier for everyone.

• It is a mix of residential and commercial properties
• Offers luxurious townhouses, villas and apartments
• Located alongside Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street (E12)
• Home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum

The environment and beauty of this community are exquisite. Some of the highlights of Saadiyat Cultural District are:

• Parks
• Beaches
• Retail shops
• 5-star Resorts and restaurants
• Internationally renowned museums

Saadiyat Cultural District is a coastal area where people love to enjoy a stroll along the impressive walkways and promenades surrounded by water. Its diverse range of institutions, attractions and residential developments fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among residents and visitors alike. The district is a vibrant gathering place where individuals celebrate art, culture and education. Residents of Saadiyat Cultural District benefit from a unique lifestyle that seamlessly blends cultural enrichment with everyday living. They can engage with various artistic and intellectual offerings, attend events, exhibitions, and performances and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity and knowledge.

Properties in Saadiyat Cultural District are a mix of townhouses, villas and apartments offered in complexes. Mamsha Al Saadiyat by Aldar Properties is an exclusive beach-facing vertical community featuring 1 to 4-bedroom luxury apartments as well as 1-bedroom loft apartments, 5-bedroom penthouses and 2 to 3-bed townhouses. Located on 1.4km of pristine waters of the Persian Gulf, these loft apartments have open space for a living area and bathroom on the lower floor and ensuite bedrooms with built-in wardrobes on the upper floor. The gross space for these apartments in Saadiyat Cultural District ranges from 1,743 sq. ft. to 5,737 sq. ft.

Nudra by IMKAN Properties is another sub-community within the large Saadiyat Cultural District. It offers independent villas and residential plots for sale. Interested ones can buy these villas in Saadiyat Cultural District in 6-bedroom layouts and in two architectural themes called, Dunes and Beach. Residents will also have the facility of private swimming pools. This self-contained development also features a central plaza, tennis court and community gym.

Saadiyat Grove is an upcoming mixed-use development in Saadiyat Cultural District. Designed and developed by Aldar Properties, Saadiyat Grove is a 45,000 sq. m. space consisting of living, retail, business and leisure facilities. The Source, Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences and Grove Museum Views are some notable residential addresses within Saadiyat Grove.

Rental apartments in Saadiyat Cultural District are available in studio and 1 to 4-bedroom layouts. These luxury vertical homes are majorly concentrated on the beach, providing serene views of the Arabian Gulf.

• Annual rent for a 1-bed flat in Saadiyat Cultural District starts from AED 65k and goes up to AED 280k
• To rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Saadiyat Cultural District for a year, one has to gather a minimum of AED 127k
• The annual rental trend for 3-bedroom flats in Saadiyat Cultural District is between AED 201k and AED 430k
• The owner of a rental 4-bed apartment in Saadiyat Cultural District demands as high as AED 700k as annual rent

Rental townhouses are also a good option for tenants considering the location and amenities offered by the district. Currently, Mamsha Al Saadiyat is the sole residential development offering townhouses in the vicinity.

• The annual rents for 2-bed townhouses in Saadiyat Cultural District range between AED 250k and AED 400k
• One needs to pay at least AED 340k to rent a 3-bed townhome in Saadiyat Cultural District for a year

The villas for sale in the community interest buyers because of their spacious and luxurious build. The villas include 4 to 7 bedrooms and additional bathrooms, which cover an area of 9,200 sq. ft. to 13,584 sq. ft.

• A 4-bed villa in Saadiyat Cultural District bears a price tag of a minimum of AED 22M
• The sale price for a 5-bed villa in Saadiyat Cultural District range from AED 16.8M to AED 33M
• The sale price for a 6-bed villa in Saadiyat Cultural District is as high as AED 28M
• The minimum price is AED 25M for a 7-bed villa in Saadiyat Cultural District

Apartments for sale in the community have the highest demand because they’re not as expensive as other properties. Residential buildings are composed of studios and 1 to 4-bedroom units.

• The sale price for a studio in Saadiyat Cultural District starts from AED 632k
• To buy a 1BHK apartment in Saadiyat Cultural District, one needs to pay a minimum of AED 1.28M
• Starting from AED 2M, the sale price for a 2-bed flat in Saadiyat Cultural District goes up to AED 8M
• AED 12.5M are required to buy a 3BHK apartment in Saadiyat Cultural District
• The sale price for a 4-bed flat in Saadiyat Cultural District goes as high as AED 23M

As for the townhouses, the square footage range between 2,379 to 4,000 sq. ft., comprising 2 and 3 bedrooms, attached bathrooms and additional powder rooms. These townhouses for sale attract buyers because of their well-maintained condition.

• 2-bedroom townhouses for sale in Saadiyat Cultural District ask for a price range from AED 6M to 8M
• Selling prices of 3-bedroom townhouses in Saadiyat Cultural District are approximately AED 8M to 15M

Penthouses in Saadiyat Cultural District have a modern-built with furnished interiors. Offering several amenities such as high-end security, private car-parking areas, fitted kitchens and spacious rooms, these penthouses feature terraces and glazed windows that let in abundant natural light.

• AED 17M are required to buy a 4-bed penthouse in Saadiyat Cultural District
• Whereas the price tag for a 5-bed penthouse in Saadiyat Cultural District is about AED 23.5M
• The sale price for a 6-bed penthouse in Saadiyat Cultural District is AED 21M

Those looking for Saadiyat Cultural District floorplans can browse through the 2D and 3D floor plans available on Bayut. Interested ones can also virtually visit the property via Bayut’s 3D live floor plans.

Residents won’t have to find parking spaces in Saadiyat Cultural District as the villas and townhouses have separate parking garages built into the architecture. People living in apartment buildings can park their cars in the reserved parking area.

This community is the main tourist attraction of the emirate, meaning you will find taxis at every corner. Residents depending on public transport can easily hail cabs as well as avail of online cab services. Other means of public transportation in Saadiyat Cultural District are bus stops located around the community, such as Jacques Chirac St / Saadiyat Beach Gate B Bus Stop, Cranleigh Tower / Jacques Chirac St Bus Stop and Laffan St / Saadiyat Island Bus Stop.

A branch of Carrefour is located on the ground floor of Mamsha Al Saadiyat. It is the only supermarket in Saadiyat Cultural District and the most convenient spot for groceries. Other marts near the area are Leens Express, Spinneys Waitrose and Lulu Express. All of these marts are within the boundaries of Saadiyat Island.

Abrahamic Family House in Saadiyat Cultural District incorporates a mosque, a church and a synagogue in a unified space, symbolising the shared values of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. This mosque in Saadiyat Cultural District is called Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque. Whereas, the name of the church and synagogue is St. Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.

Residents can also visit other mosques on Saadiyat Island, including Al-Hamd Mosque, Al Saadiyat Masjid, Hidd Al Saadiyat Mosque and Alfarouq Masjid.

To visit churches near Saadiyat Cultural District, residents have to go to Al Mushrif, an approximate 20-minute drive from the area. This locality has many churches close to each other, including St. George Orthodox Church, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, St.Therese Church and others.

Hindu residents can visit BAPS Hindu Mandir on Al Taf Road (E16). The place is designed to provide solace and familiarity to Hindus with their roots. People of the Sikh community can visit Gurudwara Nanak Darbar Abu Dhabi, an 18–minute drive.

Quite a few educational options are available near the area, closest nurseries include:

• Odyssey Nursery
• Redwood Montessori Nursery

Schools near Saadiyat Cultural District include:

• Cranleigh Abu Dhabi
• Repton School Abu Dhabi
• International Community School
• Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada)

The closest school to Saadiyat Cultural District is Cranleigh Abu Dhabi which follows England based curriculum. ADEC has rated the school as ‘Very Good’ and it is considered as one of the best schools in Abu Dhabi. It is located just 5 minutes away from the area.

Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada) is a private institution that caters to 50+ nationalities of students and offers them the Nova Scotia curriculum. Located just 12 minutes away, the academics provided in the school include arts, athletics, tech education, Islamic teachings and Arabic.

New York University Abu Dhabi offers graduate, undergraduate, post-doctorate and doctorate courses in several fields, such as Social Sciences, Arts & Humanity and Engineering. This globally recognised institution is just a 12-minute drive for the residents.

Clinics and hospitals near Saadiyat Cultural District include:

• Aster Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic
• Corniche Hospital
• Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital

Aster Clinic in the Al Zahia community has a friendly and professional staff that is available to cater for the needs of patients, a 10-minute drive and the closest option for residents. A branch of a US healthcare centre, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, is a multi-speciality clinic with an emergency department and a pharmacy available 24/7. Located on Al Falah St., the clinic is a 13-minute drive from the area.

In emergencies, expecting mothers can visit Corniche Hospital in just 14 minutes on Al Muthamman Street near Sheraton Hotel. Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital on Ar Razqi Street is at a 15-minute distance via car. It is an international private hospital that offers a wide range of medical services, including cardiothoracic surgery and paediatric intensive care. Pharmacies in the area include Al Manara Pharmacy and Health First Pharmacy at an 8 to 10-minute distance.

The community enjoys a location among a network of popular roads and highways that connect to Al Mina, Al Jubail Island, Al Reem Island and Al Zahia. Some popular communities close Saadiyat Cultural District include:

• Park View
• Soho Square
• Saadiyat Beach
• Jawaher Saadiyat

Saadiyat Beach is on the Northeastern end, while Jawaher Saadiyat covers the eastern end of the district. Soho Square is located on the southeastern side opposite the highway. Park View is on Al Reem Island, located on the southwestern side.

There is a collection of malls near Saadiyat Cultural District that residents visit for a shopping spree. Some include:

• Yas Mall
• Al Mariah Mall
• The Collection Saadiyat

Yas Mall is one of the best malls in Abu Dhabi. The 3-level shopping destination is home to 370 plus international and local brands, which include:

• Zara
• DKNY
• Mango
• Ted Baker
• Tommy Hilfiger

The mall also offers entertainment facilities such as a 24-screen cinema and a family entertainment venue named Fun Works. Located close to Ferrari World, it is at a distance of 20 minutes. Retail shops in Mamsha Al Saadiyat and The Collection Saadiyat Mall are the closest retailers to the locality, available in just 4 minutes.

Al Mariah Mall is an entertainment destination at Harat Al Remaithat Street, at a rough drive of 15 minutes. The ground floor of Al Mariah Mall is dedicated to departmental stores, retail shops, fast-food centres and a supermarket, whereas the second floor is an entertainment zone, which offers a cinema and play area.

Saadiyat Cultural District is home to a diverse range of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Several restaurants in Saadiyat Cultural District attract food lovers, some popular ones include:

• Fouquet’s
• Black Tap
• Wake n’ Bake
• NIRI Restaurant & Bar
• Raclette Brasserie & Cafe
• Restaurant Louvre Abu Dhabi

Fouquet’s, situated in Louvre Abu Dhabi, offers a modern take on French cuisine, showcasing an array of flavours and textures. For those seeking an authentic Japanese dining experience, NIRI Restaurant & Bar serves delectable local specialities in a stylish ambience. Black Tap, nestled within the Mamsha Al Saadiyat, entices visitors with its succulent cuts of meat and stunning vistas of Saadiyat Beach. Raclette Brasserie & Cafe offers a picturesque beachfront setting and serves French-inspired dishes that tantalise the taste buds. Meanwhile, Wake n’ Bake delights with its freshly baked offerings. Restaurant Louvre Abu Dhabi is in the Louvre Museum, people can visit here after exploring the museum and get a taste of nouvelle cuisine. With such a diverse culinary landscape, Saadiyat Cultural District ensures visitors can embark on a flavorful journey while immersing themselves in the vibrant cultural scene.

A few licensed pubs nearby include:

• Heroes
• B-Lounge
• Cristal Bar
• Hidden Bar
• Harvesters Pub
• Porters English Pub

All these pubs are located under a 20-minute drive. Located in the nearby communities of Al Wahdah and Madinat Zayed, these pubs also offer alcohol-free beverages in decent crowds. Visiting here can give residents a fun-filled time.

Some beaches near Saadiyat Cultural District include Saadiyat Beach, Soul Beach and Kai Beach Saadiyat. These beaches offer many adventurous opportunities for visitors, including water sports activities like sailing or paddling. People can visit here and spend quality time on a lounger or in a cabana near the coast.

Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is an architectural masterpiece that mesmerises visitors with its striking dome-like structure and intricate geometric patterns. The museum showcases a diverse collection of artworks spanning various civilisations and periods, allowing visitors to embark on a captivating journey through human history.

Saadiyat Cultural District has some marvellous projects in the pipeline, especially a range of museums and architecturally astonishing leisure destinations. Some of these are Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.

With its distinctive architectural design, the expansive Zayed National Museum covers an impressive area of 44,000 sq. m. In addition to a diverse range of stunning displays, the museum will delve into the history of human habitation in the UAE, spanning 200,000 years. It will also pay homage to the remarkable life and accomplishments of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918 – 2004), the esteemed founder of the UAE.

Spanning across 11,600 sq. m., the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi boasts 28 galleries, while its distinctive cones and terraces house an extra 23,000 sq. m. of exhibition spaces. This remarkable art institution is dedicated to showcasing a curated collection of modern and contemporary art, particularly focusing on works from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA).

Upon completion, Natural History Museum will be the fourth museum of the Saadiyat Cultural District (after Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim). It is due to open its doors on Saadiyat Island in 2025. In addition to engaging exhibits curated to illuminate the universe’s 13.8 billion years of origin story, the site will include a scientific research centre.

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, spanning an expansive 17,000 sq. m. of gallery space, is a futuristic venue poised to become the epitome of boundless curiosity, offering an immersive experience like no other.

The first golf club that offers a view of the Arabian Gulf is Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which also offers wildlife attractions such as dolphins, migrating birds, mountain gazelles, and hawksbill turtles. Curlews, European Bee-eaters and European Rollers are spotted most often. Located under a 10-minute drive.

Some popular gyms near Saadiyat Cultural District are Ultimate Athletics, 12 minutes away, while Top Gym and F45 Training are an 8 to 10-minute drive, respectively. All gyms are fully equipped with hi-tech machines.

Spas and salons near Saadiyat Cultural District are:

• Iridium Spa
• Tips and Toes
• De Joie Beauty Lounge

Iridium Spa is an upscale massage and treatment facility just 8 minutes away. Tips and Toes on Saadiyat Island offers hair and body massage and nail care services like manicures and pedicures at a 10-minute drive. De Joie Beauty Lounge provides beauty services like makeup, hair expertise, facial treatments and much more.

Saadiyat Cultural District is home to Manarat Al Saadiyat, which buzz with events throughout the year. People of different cultures engage and connect via the beautiful expression of art. The Art Fair hosts exhibits of global artwork each year. Several other events include public speaking, music, arts and cultural festivities.

People living in Saadiyat Cultural District can join these two Facebook groups to maintain healthy interactions with each other. Groups are named Saadiyat Island and Saadiyat Island Residents.

Living in Saadiyat Cultural District is like living in a historical movie, as the hub of cultural art is a main tourist attraction. A lot of social and like-minded interactions are bound to happen. However, a bit of an inconvenience is for people who prefer to live a quiet lifestyle as the area is one of the developing and evergrowing areas of the UAE.

Saadiyat Cultural District is one of the distinguished sections of Saadiyat Island, dedicated to historical developments, mainly museums.

Saadiyat Cultural District offers a variety of residential and commercial properties, including lavish villas, luxury apartments and penthouses, as well as townhomes.

Saadiyat Cultural District is home to Mamsha Al Saadiyat and Nudra, flagship developments by Aldar Properties and IMKAN Properties, respectively.

Yes, Saadiyat Grove is an off-plan project in Saadiyat Cultural District by Aldar Properties. Apart from living, retail and leisure facilities are also part of this upcoming development.

Louvre Abu Dhabi is a renowned museum in Saadiyat Cultural District. Upcoming museums in the area are Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum.

• 9 minutes away from Zayed Port
• 24 minutes from Yas Marina
• 28 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport
• 17 minutes from Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway (E12)