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Saadiyat Island Guide
Life on Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat is a natural island just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, with about 27 square kilometres of development across seven districts. It is the city’s cultural centre, and it is also one of its most popular places to live.
People choose it for the mix. You can walk on the beach in the morning, visit the Louvre in the afternoon and be downtown for dinner. Luxury apartments on Saadiyat Island are limited and the area is well established, which is why it attracts long-term buyers as well as investors.
- 5Minutes to downtown Abu Dhabi
- 20Minutes to the airport
- 27Sq km of development
- 7Districts on the island
The Saadiyat Cultural District
Few places anywhere have this many major museums within a short drive of home.
- Open
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened in November 2017 under its famous dome, and the first Louvre outside France.
- Open
Zayed National Museum
The UAE’s national museum, designed by Foster + Partners, opened in December 2025.
- Open
Natural History Museum
Opened in November 2025, designed by Mecanoo.
- Open
teamLab Phenomena
A large immersive art space that opened in April 2025.
- Open
Abrahamic Family House
A mosque, a church and a synagogue on one site, opened in February 2023.
- Coming
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Designed by Frank Gehry and set to be the largest Guggenheim. Opening is expected around the end of 2026.
Beach, Golf and Everyday Life
Outdoors
The island is known for its natural white sand beach, where hawksbill turtles still nest. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the Gary Player course that sits right behind it.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat gives you a beachfront promenade with cafés and restaurants, and the beach clubs and resorts are close by.
Families and education
Cranleigh Abu Dhabi has been on the island since 2014. New York University Abu Dhabi has its campus in the Marina District, which also has berths for more than 1,000 boats.
Families get schools, the beach and the city all within a short drive.
The Main Districts
Cultural District
The western end of the island, about 2.4 sq km, home to the museums and cultural institutions.
Beach District
The long stretch of sand, the golf course, resorts and beachfront homes.
Marina District
The main commercial area at about 3.7 sq km, with hotels, apartments and NYU Abu Dhabi.
Thinking about a home on Saadiyat Island? Register for Dorchester Residences Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi and we will be in touch when the location and launch details are confirmed.