Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is a captivating paradise nestled in Abu Dhabi, where luxury, culture and natural beauty intertwine. This idyllic island is renowned for its exquisite hotels, upscale residential communities and world-class cultural attractions. Divided into seven districts, Saadiyat Island covers an area of about 27 sq. km. It is located about 600m away from the main city, connecting to the mainland via Sheikh Khalifa Bridge.

From the mesmerising Louvre Abu Dhabi, which houses a diverse collection of art and artefacts, to the eagerly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is a haven for culture enthusiasts. But Saadiyat extends beyond its cultural offerings, with pristine beaches like Saadiyat Public Beach. For those seeking a different kind of leisure, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club boasts a breathtaking course with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.

As an up-and-coming area, it is also one of the hottest and most searched-for areas with off-plan developments in Abu Dhabi, especially when it comes to luxury apartments and villas. According to Bayut's Abu Dhabi Annual Sales Report 2024, Saadiyat Island is one of the most popular choices to buy luxury villas in Abu Dhabi.

• Features exquisite resorts and residences
• Home to the mesmerising Louvre Abu Dhabi
• A sought-after destination for real estate investments
• Boasts the pristine waters of Saadiyat Public Beach and Soul Beach
• Connected to the main city via Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street (E12)
• A captivating paradise known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions

The Al Saadiyat Island is perfect for cultural vultures who enjoy art fairs, museums and impressive architecture, set on the backdrop of the beautiful blue waters. The upscale neighbourhood is home to expats who are either renting property or living in one they have invested in. While the general perception is that the island is a villa community, several apartment buildings on Saadiyat Island offer residents all the luxuries of villa living but are more suited to couples and young families.

Residents of Saadiyat Island will need not to travel to distant communities for communal amenities and leisure facilities such as:

• Retail shops and supermarkets
• Luxury hotels and resorts
• Schools and universities
• High-end restaurants
• Places of worship
• Sports venues
• Museums

Saadiyat Island is divided into seven districts namely, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Marina District, Saadiyat Reserve, Saadiyat Beach, Saadiyat Retreat, Saadiyat Lagoons and Saadiyat Promenade.

Saadiyat Cultural District is one of the most developed and prominent parts of Saadiyat Island featuring luxurious residential communities like Mamsha Al Saadiyat and Nudra. Mamsha Al Saadiyat is a waterfront residence offering a variety of luxurious apartments, loft-style penthouses and townhouses. Developed by Aldar Properties, it has its own set of endless amenities. While Nudra by  IMKAN Properties offers 4 to 6-bedroom standalone villas as well as residential plots for sale.

Saadiyat Marina District is home to a few apartment complexes including Saadiyat Noon, Soho Square and Nasayem Complex. Developed by Bloom Holding, Soho Square boasts 304 residences including studios, 1 to 3-bedroom ultra-modern apartments, townhomes and penthouses. It is a self-contained community featuring its fitness centre, swimming pools as well as dining and retail facilities. Another project by the same developer is Park View, located a few blocks away from Soho Square. Park View features a total of 217 hotel apartments and 230 residential units available in the form of studios and 1 to 3-bedroom apartments.

Another district of Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Reserve offers 306 residential villa plots for sale. Available in size ranging from 6,587 sq. ft. to 10,979 sq. ft., these plots for sale in Saadiyat Reserve are available at a minimum of AED 3.7M.

Saadiyat Beach is home to two distinct residential developments: Saadiyat Beach Villas and Saadiyat Beach Residences. Located adjacent to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Villas offers a mix of villas and townhouses in Arabian, Mediterranean and contemporary styles, with unit sizes ranging from 3 to 6 bedrooms. In contrast, Saadiyat Beach Residences features 1 to 3-bedroom apartments spread across six low-rise apartment complexes inspired by Arabesque and Mediterranean architecture.

Hidd Al Saadiyat and Qaryat Al Hidd are the two residential developments within the Saadiyat Retreat district. Hidd Al Saadiyat features approximately 464 independent villas, while Qaryat Al Hidd, often considered a sub-district of Hidd Al Saadiyat, comprises 12 residential buildings with over 900 units ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms.

Notably, several off-plan projects are in the pipeline including Saadiyat Lagoons, which is discussed in detail later in the guide.

Those looking for Saadiyat Island floor plans can browse the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in Saadiyat Island.

Saadiyat Island is a haven for property seekers. With many buildings and property types to choose from, it can be a daunting task to pick the one that’s right for you. Take a look at the top five locations in Saadiyat Island to help your cause.

Saadiyat Lagoons by Aldar Properties is a recent addition to Saadiyat Island’s residential landscape. Currently under development, the district will be divided into three distinct zones—Al Sidr, Al Ghaf and Ethir—each showcasing unique architectural themes. These zones will feature a collection of independent villas available in 4, 5 and 6-bedroom configurations.

Several off-plan developments are planned for different districts of Saadiyat Island such as Saadiyat Grove in Saadiyat Cultural District and Nouran Living in Saadiyat Marina District.

Saadiyat Grove is a much-awaited off-plan mixed-use development in the region by Aldar Properties which will feature 45,000 sq. m. space consisting of living, retail, business and leisure facilities. Nouran Living will be situated near Laffan Street. The project will offer a range of studio to 3-bedroom apartments.

For those interested in learning more about new projects on Saadiyat Island, Bayut provides detailed insights on upcoming developments.

The Saadiyat Island hotels are popular among the top resorts in Abu Dhabi. The hotels offer

• The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
• Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
• Jumeirah Saadiyat Island

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is known to be one of the best hotels around here. It is a 5-star resort and features a golf club, private beach, indoor and outdoor pools, six dining establishments and offers the signature St. Regis butler service to its guests. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island is another 5-star hotel in the neighbourhood. It features 293 rooms, suites and villas for guests. Other amenities include a private beach, tennis courts, swimming pools, a water sports area and more.

As with all developments in the UAE, residents are guaranteed secure parking spaces on Saadiyat Island for their own vehicles, while guests can avail of public parking depending on the area of the island they are visiting.

While having a car will make travelling around and beyond the island more convenient, regular public buses will also connect this suburb to the rest of the city. Key bus routes include 120, 121, 125, 127, 170 and 187. Bus stations serving Saadiyat Island include Saadiyat New York University 1 / Laffan St Bus Stop, Shati Al Sa'diyat St / Saadiyat Rotana Hotel Bus Stop and Al Tilal St / Saadiyat Beach Club Bus Stop. Thanks to the presence of numerous high-end hotels, taxis will also be available in the area, providing an alternative for those relying on public transport on Saadiyat Island.

Residents do not have to worry about grocery shopping as there are a few supermarkets scattered around the area to facilitate everyday needs. Supermarkets in Saadiyat Island include Waitrose in Amwaj (a community centre in Saadiyat Beach Villas community), Carrefour Market in Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Lulu Express in Hidd Al Saadiyat community centre and Delice Supermarket in Park View building.

Abrahamic Family House is an inclusive space where a mosque, a church and a synagogue coexist, symbolising the shared principles of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The mosque is referred to as Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, while the church and synagogue are respectively named His Holiness Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.

There are various other mosques on Saadiyat Island such as Al Hamd Mosque, Al Siddiq Mosque and Al Farouq Mosque.

For people belonging to Christianity, churches near Saadiyat Island are located at a little over a 20-minute drive to Al Mushrif. Some of these churches include St. George Orthodox Church, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, St. Therese Church and several others. Hindu residents can find solace at the BAPS Hindu Mandir, located on Al Taf Road (E16), while members of the Sikh community can visit Gurudwara Nanak Darbar Abu Dhabi, a 20-minute drive away.

Nursery schools in Saadiyat Island are Odyssey Nursery, Redwood Montessori Nursery and Bright Beginnings Nursery. In terms of educational options, the Redwood Montessori Nursery in Saadiyat Island is ideal for parents with younger children. Primary and secondary schools in Saadiyat Island include Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. This famed international school is one of the premier educational institutions in Abu Dhabi.

Older children can enrol in the highly acclaimed and internationally recognised New York University campus on Saadiyat Island. For more options, residents can simply head to the mainland.

Currently, HealthPlus Family Clinic and Tamara Polyclinics in Saadiyat Island are the only healthcare facilities with prompt access. Residents can go there in case of common ailments and for routine checkups.

Saadiyat Island currently does not have hospitals, one has to travel to the mainland to reach nearby hospitals for specialised medical care. Hospitals near Saadiyat Island include LLH Hospital, Burjeel Hospital and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. All of these hospitals and several others are accessible within a 20-minute drive.

Yas Island is the closest, minutes away by road (separated by the picturesque Al Jubail Island). Al Reem Island is also next door, while the mainland areas (and amenities) of Al Mina, Al Dhafrah and Al Maryah Island are also under 20 minutes away.

There are only a limited number of retail options and unlike other areas in the country, there are currently no malls in Saadiyat Island. Those looking to indulge in a shopping spree can head to the nearest mall, Yas Mall. It is also 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.

There is no shortage of restaurants on Saadiyat Island to satisfy even the most refined palate. The iconic St. Regis and Saadiyat Beach Club are popular venues for the city’s stylish socialites to enjoy a 5-star meal or sundowners by the sea. Saadiyat Island is soon to become a nightlife destination in its right thanks to the opening of a Buddha-Bar Beach. For those looking at more casual hangouts for coffee and conversations, the Starbucks outlet is a popular option.

Some of the restaurants in Saadiyat Island are NIRI Restaurant & Bar, Black Tap and Restaurant Louvre Abu Dhabi. People who want to experience authentic Japanese food can visit NIRI Restaurant & Bar. Black Tap is another restaurant in the area that serves delicious steaks and offers beautiful views of Saadiyat Beach. If you’re at the Louvre Museum, you can also try the Restaurant Louvre Abu Dhabi. It’s a great place to enjoy new and exciting food after exploring the museum.

Being an island, there are some of the top beach clubs in Abu Dhabi beloved by visitors and residents alike. Apart from the luxuries afforded by the beach clubs, the Saadiyat Island Public Beach is a favoured leisure hotspot, filled with sun loungers and options for watersports. No matter where on the island you choose to live, you’re guaranteed that it’s near the sea!

Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is a notable landmark in Saadiyat Island. It is an impressive architectural masterpiece with a dome-like structure. It showcases a diverse collection of artworks from different civilisations and time periods, taking visitors on a captivating journey through history.

In addition to that, Saadiyat Island has exciting projects in the works including museums and leisure destinations. Some notable ones are the Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum.

Zayed National Museum explores the history of human habitation in the UAE. It also pays tribute to the life and achievements of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s esteemed founder. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi features numerous galleries and exhibition spaces dedicated to modern and contemporary art, with a focus on the WANASA region. The upcoming Natural History Museum, set to open at the end of 2025, will be the fourth museum on Saadiyat Island. It will showcase exhibits about the universe’s origin and house a scientific research centre.

If you are more of a fitness enthusiast, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained on Saadiyat Island. The various sub-communities, each have their state-of-the-art facilities for health, wellness and recreation, from communal swimming pools to gyms and spas. There are also cycling and jogging paths around the area, with more in the works as the development progresses. There are also bicycle renting stations, for those who want to explore the neighbourhood on two wheels!

For a different kind of outdoor activity, one can also head to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Apart from the usual golfing activity, one can also indulge in sightseeing and bird watching.

There are various fitness facilities in the area, such as a gym at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island and an athletic club at St. Regis Resort whereas for personal grooming, one can go to these salons in Saadiyat Island:

• Tara Rose Salon
• Amro Ladies Salon
• Ivy Beauty & Bubbles

One of the biggest pros is the fact that it is such a vibrant community with a constant stream of events keeping your social calendar packed. For fans of golf, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is an attractive (not to mention picturesque) golfing venue, with state-of-the-art facilities by a course designed by the legendary Gary Player.

If art and culture are more in line with your interests, then you will definitely enjoy living on the island! The museums on Saadiyat Island house some of the most famed pieces of art that will definitely mesmerise you with their architectural beauty.

Meanwhile, Manarat Al Saadiyat has long been a popular venue for art fairs such as the international and annual Abu Dhabi Art. One of the more iconic buildings, however, is the Frank Gehry-designed UAE pavilion, just outside Manarat.

While there are many reasons to love moving to this beautiful island, it’s important to consider everything about life here. Being one of the most luxurious neighbourhoods in the capital, rents here can be higher than in other parts of the city. It can also be a little far from the main island for those doing a daily commute for work.

• Mainland Abu Dhabi is at a distance of roughly 20 minutes
• Conveniently located only 20 minutes away from Yas Island
• For travellers, the Zayed International Airport is under 30 minutes away

Saadiyat Island is located 11-km away from Abu Dhabi.

Sadiyat Island is around 35-km from Yas Island. It takes around 36 minutes to get there.

Saadiyat Island is located on the island of Abu Dhabi. From the mainland, it is under 20 minutes away.

Out of the various activities, hitting the beach is the most popular. You can enjoy watersports at Saadiyat Island Beach or just sit back, relax and watch the sunset. Those fond of art and culture can check out Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manaret Al Saadiyat and Zayed National Museum.

Saadiyat Island Beach is a public beach open throughout the week. There is a nominal entrance fee of AED 25 for adults and AED 15 for kids.