- Saadiyat island جزيرة السعديات, meaning “Island of Happiness” is a natural island and a culturally rich, environmentally sustainable development project in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Located just 500 meters (1,600 feet) off the coast of Abu Dhabi Island, it features a blend of commercial, residential, and leisure spaces currently under construction.
- Once fully developed, Saadiyat island is set to become the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi, highlighted by its Cultural District, which will host eight museums and various artistic venues. This ambitious project aims to celebrate Emirati heritage and culture while promoting tourism and community engagement.
- Saadiyat Island is covering 27 km² of land development and will be divided into seven districts as per the master plan, designed to eventually house over 145,000 residents.
- The culture district itself is Located at the western end of Saadiyat Island, covers 2.43 square kilometers, making up about 10% of the island’s total area. Plans for this district include an investment of £85 million for several key projects.
- Saadiyat island is being developed by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), part of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. TDIC will hand over development to private investors who will follow the master plan. The island, located 500 meters off the coast of Abu Dhabi, features a dedicated cultural district for exhibitions, permanent collections, and performances.
- The development of Saadiyat Island involves close collaboration between TDIC and various government agencies, such as the Department of Transport. This partnership aims to create an integrated project with public amenities in a timely manner. The cooperation also supports smaller private developers who contribute shops, entertainment venues, and residential projects, helping to foster a vibrant, full-time community.
Districts of Saadiyat island
The Cultural District of Saadiyat Island will feature three major museums:
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Zayed National Museum. Each is expected to be a significant tourist attraction, with the Louvre and Guggenheim anticipated to draw the most visitors.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Opened on November 11, 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a collaboration between the UAE and France, designed by architect Jean Nouvel. This landmark project marks the first time the French government has partnered to extend the Louvre internationally, featuring a loan of 200–300 artworks over 30 years.
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Planned to be the largest Guggenheim Museum at 30,000 m² (320,000 sq ft), this museum, designed by Frank Gehry, will join other prestigious Guggenheim locations in Bilbao, Venice, and New York.
- Zayed National Museum This museum will focus on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. It will highlight themes of education, conservation, cultural heritage, and humanitarianism.
- Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions related to these museums and hosts the Saadiyat Experience, a permanent exhibition showcasing the island’s development plans.
Features of Saadiyat Island
- Arts Center
The arts center features five theaters, an opera house, and multiple venues for concerts. It includes an experimental theater and the Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Academy, which spans 3,557 m² (38,290 sq ft) dedicated to art, design, music, and drama education. The center also offers shops and restaurants across a total area of 28,692 m² (308,840 sq ft).
- Abrahamic Family House
Designed by David Adjaye and opened in February 2023, the Abrahamic Family House is a landmark commissioned by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. It comprises three rectangular buildings—a church, a synagogue, and a mosque—surrounding a secular visitor pavilion, promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
Schools of Saadiyat Island
These institutions collectively offer education from preschool to university level, contributing to a comprehensive educational landscape on the island.
Saadiyat Island features several educational institutions, including:
- Redwood Saadiyat Nursery by the First Kids Group, which opened in 2013 and accommodates up to 140 children. It offers Montessori-based preschool education and recreational facilities.
- Cran leigh Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2014 and was awarded ‘British International School of the Year’ in 2017.
- New York University Abu Dhabi, operated by Mubadala Investment Company, providing higher education opportunities.
Saadiyat Island Beaches
Saadiyat Island boasts stunning beaches known for their natural beauty and serene environment. The island features pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Overall, the beaches of Saadiyat Island offer a perfect mix of relaxation, recreation, and natural beauty, making them a popular destination for both residents and tourists
- Kai Beach
- Saadiyat Beach
- St Regis Beach
- Nudra Private Beach
- Soul Beach
- Hidd Al Saadiyat Beach
A real estate fact: A five-bedroom villa on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi has been sold at Dh130 million, making it the most valuable home ever sold in the emirate.
TLDR:
Saadiyat Island is a sustainable cultural development in Abu Dhabi, covering 27 km². It features a Cultural District with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Zayed National Museum, celebrating Emirati heritage and boosting tourism. The island includes residential, commercial, and educational facilities, with plans to house over 145,000 residents. Developed by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), Saadiyat aims to create a vibrant community and cultural hub, complemented by stunning beaches.
It’s a place where you can reflect on the past, understand the present, and envision the future.
