Saadiyat Island: One Island, Many Journeys

Saadiyat Island has recently launched its new strategy to attract discerning travellers seeking inspiring, enriching and transformative experiences. The island will play a pivotal role in supporting Abu Dhabi to achieve its goal to boost the tourism sector and diversify the economy. By 2025, the island expects to 19 million visitors and contribute AED 4.2 billion in direct tourism revenue. And with its wealth of beach, nature, and culture offerings, it is not hard to see how this island will reach its target.  

With expansive white beaches set against the tranquil, turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Island is renowned for its unparalleled beach experiences. Saadiyat Beach has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi offering stunning views and pristine, white sand. The beach is carefully managed by local authorities in order to protect the native wildlife, including the critically endangered hawksbill turtles. For those seeking a more exclusive affair, Saadiyat Beach Club boasts a luxurious beach experience with a private beach alongside an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a selection of restaurants.

The island is the perfect destination for a luxury getaway with Saadiyat hosting some of the UAE’s most luxurious resorts including The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island and Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas. Located a mere 15-minute boat ride away from the shores of Saadiyat Island is Nurai Island, a boutique villa retreat, which offers visitors a secluded piece of paradise with a world-class oceanside spa, fine-dining and casual restaurants, a beach club, and a calendar of exceptional activities on land and sea.

Saadiyat Islands exquisite natural landscape, which is carefully managed and responsibly developed, is bound to appeal to eco-conscious visitors. The island takes great care to protect its diverse ecosystem of wildlife and marine life, with a programme to identify and protect Saadiyat’s marine life under the supervision of the island’s resident marine biologist and in partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort. The island is home to endangered hawksbill turtles, humpback and bottlenose dolphins, the native Arabian gazelle, and over 300 bird species. Keen birdwatchers have delighted in spotting the Steppe Whimbrel on the island amongst other rare bird species.

Saadiyat Island is also set to become a world-leading cultural destination with an outstanding cultural tourism portfolio. The island’s Cultural District is home to the first international outpost of the iconic Louvre Musuem, and three more world-class museums are set to opening in the coming years. The Zayed National Museum will explore the natural and human history of the United Arab Emirates, the Natural History Museum will showcase some of the rarest natural history wonders from Earth and beyond, and the Guggenheim Museum is set to become the region’s pre-eminent museum of global modern and contemporary art.

There are also a wide range of cultural activities and experiences beyond the island’s present and upcoming museums. Manarat Al Saadiyat is a space dedicated to experiencing the latest in the arts and popular culture, with a year-round programme of curated exhibitions, film screenings, performances, and workshops. The prestigious outpost of Berklee College of Music, renowned for producing Grammy award-winning artists, is located on Saadiyat and regularly hosts inspiring performances from students, alumni, and global artists. Set to open this year, the Abrahamic Family House, comprising a mosque, a church, a synagogue, and an educational centre, will be beacon of tolerance and peace.

Strategically located, Saadiyat Island is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 60 minutes from Dubai, and a five-hour flight time for three billion travellers – the island is easily accessible from the UAE, the region, and the world, yet provides a distinctly unique and secluded experience.

With all it has to offer, Saadiyat Island will entice discerning travellers seeking unique, luxury experiences, all in one location. It is the perfect location for destination weddings, special occasions and celebrations, for those seeking world-class cultural institutions or for the eco-conscious traveller who desires to immerse themselves in nature. With a plethora of inspiring, transformative experiences, Saadiyat Island is set to become a leading tourist destination.