Saadiyat Island
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Sitting northeast of Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is one of the city’s emerging tourist and cultural hotspots. Covering 10.5 square miles (27 square kilometers), the low-lying island is characterized by state-of-the-art art cultural centers, 5-star hotels, and white-sand beaches.
The Basics
Home only to fishing huts until the mid-20th century, Saadiyat Island has since undergone a radical transformation. Today, highlights include a beach club, golf course, and several innovative museums, namely the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat arts center, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi art museum.
Benefit from a guide’s knowledge and round-trip transport on a Saadiyat sightseeing tour, which typically depart from either Abu Dhabi or Dubai, and tend to home in on the island’s futuristic buildings—some include an admission ticket for the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Things to Know Before You Go
Saadiyat Island will appeal to beach, art, and architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in modern Emirati culture.
Aside from its beaches, most of the art and leisure destinations on Saadiyat are wheelchair-friendly.
Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and shades if you’re visiting Saadiyat’s beaches: there’s no shade on the sands.
How to Get There
Saadiyat Island is best reached by cab or car from Abu Dhabi. If you’re driving, take the E12 Highway across the Sheikh Khalifa bridge to the island before following signs to the Louvre, Manarat Al Saadiyat. While public transit is limited, the 94 bus departs from Abu Dhabi’s bus station, while free shuttles from Yas Island’s Ferrari World run to the Louvre.
When to Get There
Abu Dhabi’s summer temperatures can make Saadiyat extremely hot between May and October: highs can hit 109°F (43°C) in August. The best time to visit is November through March, when the weather is comfortably warm and offshore breezes cool the beaches.
Highlights of Saadiyat Island
Culture vultures should make a beeline for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Opened in 2017, this futuristic building is bordered by pools and topped by a low-slung, filigree dome that filters light into its galleries—creating a stunning sun-dappled effect. Inside, more than 600 masterpieces illustrative of creativity through key historical periods take center stage, including sculpture from early Asia and ancient Egypt right through to Western art from the 16th to the18th century, such as works by Titian and Grimmer.
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