Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is a residential island in Abu Dhabi linked to the mainland via Sheikh Khalifa Bridge. It is home to popular landmarks like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the Abrahamic Family House. A mix of high-end villas, townhouses, and low-rise buildings shape real estate on Saadiyat Island. Beyond its cultural appeal, the prime location has Saadiyat Public Beach, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club with views of the Arabian Gulf, and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, making it a focal point for leisure, art and lifestyle in the city.

• Features exquisite resorts and residences
• Home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
• A sought-after destination for real estate investments
• Boasts the pristine waters of Saadiyat Public Beach and Soul Beach
• Connected to the main city via Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street (E12)

Saadiyat Island is a natural island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, connected to the mainland by Sheikh Khalifa Bridge via Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road (E12). It is a master-planned community that includes the Cultural District, Marina District, Beach District and residential areas such as Saadiyat Lagoons and Saadiyat Reserve, each combining residential, leisure and commercial uses. The island offers a variety of homes, including villas, townhouses and low-rise apartments. Residents benefit from public beaches, beach clubs, cycling and walking paths, a championship golf course and waterfront dining and retail.

Saadiyat Island is divided into seven districts namely, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Marina District, Saadiyat Reserve, Saadiyat Beach, Saadiyat Retreat, Saadiyat Lagoons and Saadiyat Promenade.

Saadiyat Cultural District is one of the most established areas on Saadiyat Island, designed to bring together residential living and cultural spaces. It includes Mamsha Al Saadiyat, a beachfront community with apartments, penthouses and townhouses and Nudra, which offers villas and residential plots. Both developments follow a low-rise layout and prioritise space, privacy and easy access to the island’s cultural landmarks and coastline. Check out the true value of your property via TruEstimate.

Saadiyat Marina District includes residential developments such as Saadiyat Noon, Soho Square and Nasayem Complex. Soho Square by Bloom Holding offers a mix of studios, apartments, townhomes and penthouses, with on-site fitness, pool, dining and retail facilities. Nearby, Park View, also by Bloom, includes hotel apartments and residential units ranging from studios to 3-bedroom apartments.

Saadiyat Beach includes two key residential communities: Saadiyat Beach Villas and Saadiyat Beach Residences. Saadiyat Beach Villas, next to the golf club, offers townhouses and villas in Arabian, Mediterranean and contemporary styles. Saadiyat Beach Residences features 1 to 3-bedroom apartments across low-rise buildings, blending Arabesque and Mediterranean design.

Those looking for Saadiyat Island floor plans can browse the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in Saadiyat Island.

Buyers and investors can connect with one of Bayut’s trusted Real Estate Agents in Saadiyat Island to find their ideal home or investment property.

The Saadiyat Island hotels are popular among the top resorts in Abu Dhabi. The hotels offer

• The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
• Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
• Jumeirah Saadiyat Island

As with all developments in the UAE, residents are guaranteed secure parking spaces on Saadiyat Island for their own vehicles, while guests can avail of public parking depending on the area of the island they are visiting.

While having a car is more convenient, Saadiyat Island is also served by public buses and taxis. Key routes connect the area to the rest of Abu Dhabi, with stops near NYU, Saadiyat Rotana Hotel and Saadiyat Beach Club.

Saadiyat Island offers convenient access to supermarkets across its main residential areas. Options include Waitrose in Amwaj, Carrefour Market in Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Lulu Express in Hidd Al Saadiyat and Delice Supermarket in Park View.

Abrahamic Family House brings together a mosque, church and synagogue in one space, reflecting the common values of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It includes the Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, His Holiness Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.

There are various other mosques on Saadiyat Island such as Al Hamd Mosque, Al Siddiq Mosque and Al Farouq Mosque.

Christian residents can visit churches in Al Mushrif, about 20 minutes from Saadiyat Island, including St. George Orthodox Church, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and St. Therese Church. Hindu residents can access BAPS Hindu Mandir on Al Taf Road (E16), while Sikh residents can visit Gurudwara Nanak Darbar Abu Dhabi, also around 20 minutes away.

Nursery schools in Saadiyat Island are Odyssey Nursery, Redwood Montessori Nursery and Bright Beginnings Nursery. Primary and secondary schools in Saadiyat Island include Cranleigh Abu Dhabi. This famed international school is one of the premier educational institutions in Abu Dhabi.

Older children can enrol in the highly acclaimed and internationally recognised New York University campus on Saadiyat Island. For more options, residents can simply head to the mainland.

Currently, HealthPlus Family Clinic and Tamara Polyclinics are the primary healthcare facilities on Saadiyat Island, offering convenient access for routine checkups and treatment of common medical issues.

While Saadiyat Island doesn’t yet have hospitals, residents benefit from quick access to leading medical centres on the mainland. Renowned facilities including LLH Hospital, Burjeel Hospital, and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, are all just 20 minutes away, offering expert care when needed.

Residential areas near Saadiyat Island include:

• Yas Island
• Al Reem Island
• Al Maryah Island

These islands are within a 20-minute drive from Saadiyat Island.

Yas Mall is the nearest shopping destination, located just 17 minutes from Saadiyat Island. It features over 370 international and local brands across three levels.

Residents can enjoy fine dining at The St. Regis or relax with a meal by the sea at Saadiyat Beach Club. For something more casual, places like Le Noir Café, Circle Café and Maté serve a mix of Middle Eastern and continental dishes. After exploring the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Restaurant Fouquet’s offers a refined French dining experience in a relaxed setting.

Saadiyat Island is home to some of Abu Dhabi’s top beach clubs, offering leisure and dining by the sea. Residents also enjoy easy access to Saadiyat Public Beach, known for its sun loungers and watersports.

Louvre Abu Dhabi is a key landmark on Saadiyat Island, known for its distinctive dome and diverse collection of art from different cultures and periods. The island is also growing into a cultural district, with several major museums in progress.

Zayed National Museum will explore the UAE’s history and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will showcase modern and contemporary art from the WANASA region. The Natural History Museum will focus on the origins of life and include a space for scientific research.

There are plenty of activities to keep residents entertained on Saadiyat Island. Most sub-communities offer modern gyms, swimming pools, and wellness facilities. The island also includes dedicated cycling and jogging tracks, with more planned as development progresses.

Fitness enthusiasts have access to several options, including a gym at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island and an athletic club at The St. Regis Resort. For personal grooming, residents can visit salons such as:

• Tara Rose Salon
• Amro Ladies Salon
• Ivy Beauty & Bubbles

Pros and cons of living in Saadiyat Island include a higher cost of living, though it aligns with the lifestyle available. Residents live in a quiet, spacious setting close to the beach, with well-designed homes, quality facilities, and access to cultural landmarks.

• Mainland Abu Dhabi is at a distance of roughly 20 minutes
• Jubail Mangrove Park is an 11-minute drive
• For travellers, the Zayed International Airport is under 30 minutes away

Where is Saadiyat Island located?

Saadiyat Island is located 11-km away from Abu Dhabi.

Is Saadiyat Island a freehold area?

Yes, Saadiyat Island is a freehold area.

What types of properties are available on Saadiyat Island?

The island offers luxury villas, townhouses, and apartments.

What are the main attractions on Saadiyat Island?

Key attractions include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach, and several beach clubs.

How can residents reach Saadiyat Island?

Saadiyat Island is accessible via the 10‑lane Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12), connecting it directly to Abu Dhabi City and the mainland.