Highlights
ABOUT SAADIYAT ISLAND
Saadiyat Island is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious addresses in Abu Dhabi, due to its gorgeous and scenic location. Also, because of its position as the capital’s cultural hub, with international art fairs and the presence of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. As an up and coming area, it is also one of the hottest and most-searched for areas with off-plan developments in Abu Dhabi, especially when it comes to villas. In this area guide of Saadiyat Island, you can find information about living in Saadiyat Island, what amenities you can find here and the things to consider before moving to Saadiyat Island.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi
- An up and coming area for off-plan developments in Abu Dhabi
- One of the most prestigious locations in the capital
- A mix of upscale villas, townhouses and apartments
- Home to a mix of expats
Neighbourhood
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
The Saadiyat community is perfect for culture vultures who enjoy art fairs, museums and gorgeous architecture, set on the backdrop of the beautiful blue waters of the beach. The upscale neighbourhood is home to a mix expats who are either renting property or living in one they have invested in. While the general perception is that the island is a villa community, there are also several low-rise apartment buildings that offer residents all the luxuries of villa living but are more suited to couples and young families.
PROPERTIES IN SAADIYAT ISLAND
The apartments on Saadiyat Island range from studios to 4-bedroom flats with annual rents starting at AED 95k for both studios and 1-bedroom apartments. For investors looking to purchase apartments on Saadiyat Island, Soho Beach currently offers the most affordable of the off-plan investments with studios starting at AED 670k.
Meanwhile, families who are looking to rent villas on Saadiyat Island can expect to pay no less than AED 290k per year for luxurious 4-bedroom villas on Saadiyat Beach, while Saadiyat Lagoons sees investors paying a minimum of AED 2.4M for a 2-bedroom townhouse. For those with larger families, the villas on Saadiyat Island come in different configurations and layouts of up to 8 bedrooms, such as those in HIDD Al Saadiyat.
It is worth noting that there are several off-plan projects in the pipeline, that are sure to have an impact on both sale and rent prices on the Island.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN SAADIYAT ISLAND
As with all developments in the UAE, residents are guaranteed secure parking spaces in Saadiyat Island for their own vehicles, while guests can avail public parking depending on the area of the island they are visiting.
While having a car undoubtedly makes getting around and out of the island easier, there are regular public buses that connect this suburb to the rest of the city. Thanks to the many high-end hotels in the area, there are usually a few taxis that are in the area for those relying on public transport in Saadiyat Island.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Despite being one of the more recent areas to develop in Abu Dhabi, there is no shortage of amenities for those living on Saadiyat Island.
SUPERMARKETS ON SAADIYAT ISLAND
A few select retail and dining outlets along with a Waitrose supermarket are located in the community centre by Saadiyat Beach. There is also a Spinneys supermarket on Saadiyat Island at The Collection.
CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES ON SAADIYAT ISLAND
In terms of the religious needs of those living on Saadiyat Island, the mosque in Saadiyat Island serves the residents well. Christian residents can attend mass at the churches on the main island and Hindu residents have to currently rely on the temples in Dubai. This will change soon with the temple opening up in Abu Dhabi which will be only a 15-minute drive away.
SCHOOLS ON SAADIYAT ISLAND
In terms of educational options, the Redwood Nursery on Saadiyat Island is ideal for parents with younger children. The famed international residential school, Cranleigh School in Abu Dhabi is one of the premier educational institutions in Abu Dhabi. Older children can enrol in the highly acclaimed and internationally recognized New York University campus. For more options, those living on Saadiyat Island can simply head into the mainland.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS ON SAADIYAT ISLAND
Saadiyat Island currently does not have hospitals in the area (although there is a pharmacy and a cosmetic clinic on the island). Otherwise, the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic is just 20 minutes away.
TOP 5 LOCATIONS ON SAADIYAT ISLAND
The top five most popular areas on the island are Saadiyat Beach, which has both villas and apartments for rent. Soho Square and HIDD Al Saadiyat take the next place followed by Jawaher Al Saadiyat. The final location on the list of popular location on Saadiyat Island is Park View.
Most other areas apart from Saadiyat Beach are primarily known for their off-plan developments. Saadiyat Beach, Soho Square and Park View are more popular for apartment living on Saadiyat island, while the waterfront villas on HIDD Al Saadiyat and Jawaher Al Saadiyat are also hugely popular with investors, thanks to their spectacular views and unmatched amenities.
Nearby Areas
Yas Island is the area closest to Saadiyat Island, located mere minutes away by road (separated by the picturesque Al Jubail Island). The Al Reem Island community is also next door, while the mainland areas (and amenities) of Al Mina, Al Dhafrah and Al Maryah Island are also under 20 minutes away.
Lifestyle
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Malls on Saadiyat Island
There are only a limited number of retail options and unlike other areas in the country, there are currently no malls on Saadiyat Island. Those living on Saadiyat Island looking to indulge in a shopping spree can head to the nearest mall, Yas Mall which is currently also the largest mall in Abu Dhabi.
Restaurants on Saadiyat Island
There is no shortage of restaurants on Saadiyat Island to satisfy even the most refined palate. The iconic St Regis Saadiyat Island and Saadiyat Beach club are popular venues for the city’s stylish socialites to enjoy a five-star meal or sundowners by the sea and is soon to become a nightlife destination in its own right thanks to the opening of a Buddha Bar. For those looking at more casual hangouts for coffee and conversations, the Starbucks outlet on Saadiyat island is a popular option.
Beaches on Saadiyat Island
Being an island, there are some pristine and serene beaches on Saadiyat Island beloved by visitors and residents alike. Apart from the luxuries afforded by the beach clubs, the Saadiyat public beach is also a favoured leisure hotspot, filled with sun loungers and options for watersports. No matter where on the island you choose to live, you’re guaranteed that it’s near the sea!
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
One of the biggest benefits of residing on Saadiyat Island is the fact that it is such a vibrant community with a constant stream of events keeping your social calendar packed.
For fans of golf, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is an attractive (not to mention picturesque) golfing venue, with state of the art facilities by a course designed by the legendary Gary Player.
If art and culture are more in line with your interests, then you will definitely enjoy living on the island! The museums on Saadiyat Island house some of the most famed pieces of art that will definitely mesmerize you with their architectural beauty. The Louvre’s first international outpost is located on the island and in less than a year since its opening has already gained praise for its curatorial choices and quality of exhibitions, not to mention its Jean Nouvel design.
Meanwhile, Manarat Al Saadiyat has long been a popular venue for various art fairs such as the international and annual Abu Dhabi Art. One of the more iconic buildings on Saadiyat Island, however, is the Frank Gehry designed UAE pavilion, just outside Manarat. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum are some of the other highly-anticipated attractions on Saadiyat Island.
If you are more of a fitness enthusiast moving to Saadiyat island, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained on Saadiyat Island. The various sub-communities on Saadiyat Island each have their own state-of-the-art facilities for health, wellness and recreation, from communal swimming pools to gyms and spas. There are also cycling and jogging paths around Saadiyat Island, with more in the works as the development progresses. There also bicycle renting stations, for those who want to explore the neighbourhood on two wheels!
Currently, one of the most well-attended events on Saadiyat Island is best known for being home to the internationally renowned Abu Dhabi Art, a fair that attracts exhibitors from all over the world. The location of the art fair, Manarat Al Saadiyat is also home to several performances by culturally significant artists, while the New York University Abu Dhabi also hosts touring groups that bring international-level performances to the city.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
While there's a lot of reasons to love moving to Saadiyat Island, it's important to consider everything about life here. Being one of the most luxurious neighbourhoods in the capital, rents here can be higher than in other parts of the city. It can also be a little far from the main island for those doing a daily commute for work.