Your guide to living in Saadiyat Island

Do you want to live next to one of the most beautiful beaches in the UAE, surrounded by art galleries and museums?

Located just 7 minutes away from Abu Dhabi Downtown and 20 minutes away from Abu Dhabi airport, Saadiyat Island is one of the up and coming and most prestigious areas in Abu Dhabi offering a luxurious lifestyle to its residents.

Community Overview

Saadiyat Island is the cultural hub of the UAE and home to several renowned museums and art galleries, including the Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi - all designed by Pritzker prize winners.

Starting with the island’s purpose-built visitor centre - Manarat Al Saadiyat – a popular venue for various art fairs and a permanently open-to-the-public exhibition: 'The Saadiyat Story' giving visitors an introduction of the history and cultural vision behind the island. Manarat Al Saadiyat can be translated as ‘a place of enlightenment', a perfect name for this centre.

Louvre Abu Dhabi is the latest cultural landmark, built as a result of an unprecedented international partnership for cultural exchange, combining the UAE’s s vision of cultural growth, with France’s expertise in the world of art and museums. This outstanding architectural masterpiece represents the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage.

Another addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District will be Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum of modern and contemporary art, showcasing the most important international artistic achievements of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Let’s not forget Saadiyat Public Beach, 400 meters of pristine turquoise water perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. This public beach is open from 8 am to 8 pm every day and it has all necessary amenities including lounge chairs, showers, bathrooms, lockers, and lifeguards on duty. This beautiful beach already has several five-star properties and hotels, including, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah At Saadiyat Island Resort, Rixos Saadiyat Island and more in development across the island.

Your living options

As one of the most prestigious neighbourhood in the capital, Saadiyat island offers a mix of upscaled villas, townhouses and apartments. Although, it is mostly known as a villa community, there are also several low-rise apartment buildings more suited for young couples and families.

The top five most popular areas on the island are Saadiyat Beach, HIDD Al Saadiyat, Park View, Saadiyat Cultural District, and Soho Square. Most of these areas apart from Saadiyat Beach are primarily known for their off-plan developments.

Education

As for educational options, the famed international residential school, Cranleigh School in Abu Dhabi is located in the Saadiyat Island. This British curriculum school has the top rating from the Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and the title of Tes Independent School Award’s 2019 International School of the Year. For parents with younger children, there is also another option - Redwood Nursery - the leading Montessori nursery school in Abu Dhabi. When it comes to higher education, New York University campus, internationally recognized and highly acclaimed educational institution is also located on the island. The university is known for organizing different cultural events available to all residents including music concert, movie screenings, plays, exhibitions, and other events.

Shopping

Unlike all other areas across the UAE, Saadiyat Island doesn’t have a mall, but the community centre by Saadiyat Beach has several retail and dining outlets, including a large Waitrose supermarket. Spinneys supermarket is also available at The collection. For all serious shopaholics, the Island has easy access to the largest mall in Abu Dhabi, The Yas Mall, which is less than 15 minutes away.

Eating out

Gourmans have access to a wide range of restaurants that will satisfy even the most refined palate. The Park Bar & Grill, Sontaya, Koi Restaurant & Lounge will bring unforgettable fine dining experiences accompanied by mesmerizing sunset views. The legendary Buddha-­Bar has found its home on the Saadiyat beach, offering an entertaining day-to-night destination and balancing an exquisite mix of hospitality, wellness, music and mixology. In case you are craving casual cuisine, the most popular options on the island are Shakespeare and Co and Starbucks.

While there are numerous reasons to love Saadiyat Island, one of the most unique benefits of residing on the Island is the fact that it has a vibrant calendar of diverse events. From events in the Saadiyat Golf Club to art shows and music concerts, activities on the island will be keeping your social calendar full.