08.09.2025
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What makes it special? Saadiyat Island is a promising destination for both vacation and relocation in the UAE. Its development began 18 years ago and continues to this day. Branches of famous museums, residential complexes consisting of villas and high-rise buildings, shopping centres, and schools have already been opened.
What to consider? Saadiyat has convenient infrastructure, everything is within walking distance. It is connected to Dubai by a highway, with the journey taking less than two hours. The island is divided into seven districts, each conducive to comfortable living.
In Abu Dhabi, there is a district called Saadiyat Island. It is actively being developed with premium-class real estate in close proximity to a well-maintained zone — a point of attraction for resort holiday enthusiasts. The sea around Saadiyat Island is known for its crystal-clear water, making the local beach one of the best in Abu Dhabi.
The well-maintained embankment is rich in picturesque views and diverse fauna: you can encounter unusual turtles and even dolphins there. After enjoying the seaside to the fullest, it's worth getting acquainted with local dining — there are numerous restaurants and bars.
This prestigious district occupies 27 square kilometres. It is relatively young — construction on it has begun in 2006 and continues to this day. It is considered comfortable for living — both for permanent residence and leisure outside the city. There are numerous shops, leisure facilities and office centres. The developer believes the district can accommodate up to 160,000 people.
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An undoubted advantage of Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is its location — the central part of Abu Dhabi can be reached within just minutes. This has resulted in developed infrastructure, including transport — the airport is a 25-minute drive away. Nearby is Yas Island, which also offers comfortable leisure opportunities.
Reviews of Saadiyat Island create a very positive impression: the local infrastructure is praised and considered well-thought-out for comfortable living. Attention has also been paid to the cultural component — residents and visitors to the district can visit local museums of modern art, history and geography.
The educational environment has also been well developed — Saadiyat Island has several pre-school institutions, schools and even a university — the New York University campus. It offers education in 25 fields of study. Among all the schools in the UAE, the most prestigious ones are located there: Theodore Monod International French School, and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi.
But the main attraction point of the district remains the beach, famous for its cleanliness and comfort. It is the very reason that drives local real estate prices sky-high. In the Emirates, Saadiyat is an island under state protection due to its unique flora and fauna.
Everything that might be needed is available for those wishing to relax on the coast: pavements, cosy cafés and restaurants, a pier for yacht enthusiasts; the beach is equipped with showers, changing rooms with storage lockers, and sun loungers are placed throughout.
Many choose Saadiyat Island for holidays and ultimately decide to stay there for permanent residence. Visitors to the district can stay in five-star hotels on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, each of which has its own coastal area equipped for beach leisure.
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The Cultural District is particularly popular among the island's districts. Anyone wishing to explore the exhibitions of the UAE's famous museums, watch local performances, exhibitions, and fairs will head there.
Saadiyat Island is not far from other districts of the city, although it is a separate piece of land. It is connected to neighbouring lands by the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St highway. The easiest way to get to Saadiyat Island is by car, either private or taxi. Additionally, buses run regularly, and there is a ferry service.
Visitors to Saadiyat Island can visit all seven districts that comprise it. These themed locations are connected via a high-speed motorway. Let's learn more about them.
In the western part of the island is Saadiyat Cultural District. This is an ideal spot for leisure, with numerous hotels of the highest service level and unique villas.
The district houses famous museum complexes, and the Manarat Al Saadiyat gallery, which literally translates as “a place of enlightenment”. The UAE pavilion, created for the international scale exhibition Expo 2010 held in Shanghai, is also located there.
In 2015, the Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomed its first visitors, and a year later, the Zayed National Museum was opened. A year after that, the Guggenheim museum of abstract art was opened, completing the island's cultural ensemble.
Saadiyat Beach, as can be understood from its name, is most famous for its luxurious resorts. It also features Olympic-level golf courses and a sailing centre. The coastline of white sand stretches for nine kilometres; all of it is equipped for guests of the five-star beachfront hotels.
Today the Saadiyat Monte Carlo Beach Club has already opened its doors, and luxurious villas are being built. The first elite residential project, Saadiyat Beach Villas, has been launched on the island, providing for the creation of park zones, children's playgrounds, swimming pools with terraces, gyms, basketball courts and squash courts.
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The project also includes a private beach. The first phase of construction is planned to be completed in the coming days. Back in April 2011, TDIC presented a showcase project — the Jawaher Al Saadiyat complex, where visitors can familiarise themselves with exact copies of Saadiyat Beach Villas and assess the level of comfort it offers to its residents.
The Saadiyat Marina district is the island's commercial centre with three harbours, housing about half of its residents. The central park there is a great place for a stroll, while water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the royal yacht club with moorings for 1,000 vessels and the Maritime Museum (architect Tadao Ando), famous for its exhibition of Arabian maritime heritage.
Since 2014, no fewer than 2,500 students from around the world have been living and studying on the New York University campus, also located in this district.
From the Saadiyat Promenade district there is a lovely view of Abu Dhabi. The location was modelled after Florida's Daytona Beach promenade. There are many 3- and 4-star hotels on the seafront, a pedestrian zone, restaurants and cafés.
At the heart of the Saadiyat Lagoons district is the central island lagoon. It is perfect for those who prefer secluded family leisure in a natural environment. For those residing in the luxurious apartments, there is an equestrian centre, as well as an amphitheatre where concerts and open-air performances are regularly held.
The Saadiyat Reserve and Saadiyat Retreat districts are places of incredible natural beauty. These locations are ideal for travelling ornithologists-in-training and ecotourism enthusiasts.
The local natural wetlands, preserved in their pristine state, have made it possible to build a centre for studying migratory birds and marine fauna on the island. Local residents have settled in modern villas, next to which is a golf club known for its uniqueness.
Island residents can spend an entire day swimming in the Persian Gulf, sailing along the coast or enjoying fishing on a yacht, and then plunge back into the vibrant resort life on Saadiyat Island's beaches, or immerse themselves in the quiet solitude of park zones against the backdrop of mind-blowing sunsets.
Saadiyat Island can be seen on the map connected to Abu Dhabi via the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge (named after the UAE President Sheikh Khalifa), which is 1.4 km long and 10 lanes wide. Since 2009, this route runs through the Al-Mina port district.
Additionally, running through nearby Yas Island, there is a 6.5 km road, also named after Sheikh Khalifa — Sheikh Khalifa Highway. The highway's ten high-speed lanes allow one to reach the airport from Saadiyat Island in just minutes.
Anyone interested in buying property on Saadiyat Island or investing in it wishes to familiarise themselves with the district's residential projects. Let's explore them.
Aldar Properties has very recently begun constructing this luxurious complex consisting of three areas, which includes 102 residential units. Buyers are offered luxurious studios and apartments with one or two bedrooms ranging from 45 to 139 square metres. Prices in Grove Museum Views start at 905,000 AED (246,000 USD).
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The lobbies of each building include a common recreation area, a library segment, a coworking zone, a games room and art studios. Everything will be decorated in thematic design. Each residence is equipped with a Smart Home system and comes fitted with built-in household appliances.
The project's infrastructure is quite diverse: there are about 70 shops with products from hundreds of different brands. Additionally, the project is attractive due to a range of bonuses:
Currently, Grove Museum Views is under construction, with facilities expected to be commissioned no earlier than May 2025.
A project located in the island's tourist district, Cultural District, and known among investors for its particular ambition. It is planned to occupy more than 50,000 sq m.
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The first phase of Saadiyat Grove construction was launched in 2019 and included 606 apartments and 200 retail units. According to the creators' concept, the complex will be a closed community capable of existing relatively autonomously. It will have its own shops, dining establishments, office and residential buildings. Construction work is planned to be completed in the last quarter of 2024.
The second (final) phase of the project will expand it to 3,706 real estate units, including 170 residences, several 3- and 4-star hotels, as well as 13,000 square metres of office and retail space.
Available for purchase in the first phase are studios, luxury apartments with 1 to 4 bedrooms, and townhouses and villas with 4 to 6 bedrooms. Property owners can take advantage of diverse infrastructure and other project amenities:
The opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences is planned for the first quarter of 2025. This project is a pioneer among residential properties built under the aegis of a world-renowned museum. Aldar Properties is handling the development.
Image source: aldar.com
For those wanting to move to Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, prices start at 2,000,000 AED (545,000 USD). You can choose among stylish studios and luxury apartments with spacious living rooms and open kitchen areas (number of bedrooms varies from 1 to 3). Moreover, those that include 2–3 bedrooms are also equipped with maid's quarters.
Each residence has a private balcony with magnificent views of local landmarks.
The project's designer drew inspiration from the world's leading museums, with its foundation being the intertwining of natural motifs and art. Each building welcomes visitors with a spacious lobby, decorated with various artistic objects.
Among the unique amenities provided for the residents of Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences are:
For residents' convenience, the district features a laundry and a dry cleaning service, and offers services of a chef, fitness trainer, stylist, courier, groomer, concierge, valet parking, etc.
This is another premium-class project on Saadiyat Island consisting of six five-storey buildings by the developer Aldar Properties. It is designed in a Mediterranean style and includes 495 property units: studios and apartments with 1 to 4 bedrooms. The interior design is restrained, with light pastel tones predominating.
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Natural materials of the highest quality are used in the finishing of the premises. Apartments of 167 square metres with two bedrooms can be purchased for 1,900,000 AED (517,000 USD).
Property buyers in Saadiyat Beach Residences also receive a number of additional advantages:
The gated community Hidd Al Saadiyat spreads across more than 16 million square metres in the north of Saadiyat Island and includes 464 luxury villas (with 4–7 bedrooms) from Saadiyat Development and Investment Company.
Image source: hiddalsaadiyat.com
Each residence is equipped with a Smart Home system, private parking, backyard, open kitchens, panoramic windows, spacious terraces and ergonomic walk-in wardrobes. Branded sanitary ware, household appliances and high-quality furniture also delight each of the residents of the local villas. The minimum price for property in Hidd Al Saadiyat is 8,500,000 AED (2,314,000 USD).
The community has its own educational and cultural-entertainment infrastructure, luxury recreational and sports zones, retail establishments and dining outlets.
Some are designed in Arabic style, inspired by local traditions. Carved windows, colourful mosaic panels and colonnade terraces are common.
Mediterranean style is frequently used, having absorbed European culture across many centuries. It manifests in open spacious terraces, stone veneer finishing and carved balcony railings. Granite may be used for kitchen finishing, while marble is used in the bathroom.
Image source: Eusaphzae / shutterstock.com
Modern style combines innovations with traditional design elements: multi-level roofs with leisure areas, unusual window shapes, steel balcony railings, kitchen finishing with basalt and maple solid wood, bathroom finishing with marble.
Work on the island is currently being carried out by the independent Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), whose controlling stake is held by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. It prefers to attract private investors to the island, who are interested in improving their own plot within the framework of the master plan and urban planning regulations.
Full property ownership rights on the island's real estate (luxury apartments and villas) were provided to UAE citizens and GCC countries' citizens, while investors from other countries can take advantage of long-term lease (leasehold) for a period of 50 to 99 years.
All three were constructed under the Abu Dhabi government's programme, developed to increase the region's attractiveness for tourists from different countries worldwide. World-renowned architects participated in creating the construction plans. Thus, the Louvre Abu Dhabi project was created by French architect Jean Nouvel.
Famous designer Lord Norman Foster participated in developing the concept of the Zayed National Museum. The Guggenheim museum of abstract art was created with the direct participation of outstanding contemporary architect Frank Owen Gehry. Additionally, the Performing Arts Centre is planned to open in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island.
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, who heads TDIC, believes that the construction of new museums helps raise the level of education and general enlightenment of residents, as well as create jobs: “Culture and art will become part of our society's daily life, which will help us continue to cherish our heritage and preserve its value.”
In literal translation from Arabic, “Saadiyat Island” means “the island of happiness”. Until recently, it was practically unknown to anyone, but now this promising district of the UAE capital has become an attractive destination for many tourists and investors.
Source of the image in the article header: BASHIR LUKYAMUZI / сайт.com
