Visitors to Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi are surprised as to how much there is to see and do. It’s one of Arabia’s few natural islands, with white sands edging the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Along the oceanfront there’s plenty of luxurious accommodation and trendy restaurants. It also boasts a par 72, 18-hole golf course, one of the few ocean-fronted courses in the Middle East. Saadiyat Islandwasput on the map with Louvre Abu Dhabi, drawing in art enthusiasts since its opening in 2017. Saadiyat Island is easily accessible from the UK with daily flights from London on Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi and then it’s just a 20-minute drive to the lavish resorts that line the coastline. Downtown Abu Dhabi is just 10-minutes away. Saadiyat Island can easily be combined with the Indian Ocean or other parts of the Middle East for a two-centre holiday.
Here are seven reasons why we think you should consider a holiday to Saadiyat Island.
1. Beach relaxation on Saadiyat Island
Many of the international resorts have their own private beach front where you can relax on the white sands whilst receiving attentive service from the hotel staff. At Saadiyat public beach you can enjoy eco-friendly watersports including windsurfing and sailing as well as daily yoga sessions.
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island was firmly put on the international art scene with the arrival of Louvre Abu Dhabi. Jean Nouvel is the architect behind the Louvre’s dramatic waterfront structure. It is Arabia’s first universal museum with 9,200 square metres of gallery space, illuminated by the light reflecting through the incredible roof structure. Working in partnership with Louvre Paris, the permanent collection includes global artefacts dating back thousands of years. The artwork is equally as impressive with works by Claude Monet, Johannes Vermeer and Jackson Pollock.
3. Dining out at Saadiyat Island
Located close to the Louvre is Mamsha Al Saadiyat, a lively beachfront community where you will find plenty of cafés and restaurants. Set along the promenade and overlooking the Arabian Gulf, you can enjoy international and local cuisine from juicy steaks to mezze platters.
4. Golf at Saadiyat Island
Tee-off on the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Designed by Gary Player, it was the first golf course in the region to be set on the beachfront. As you dodge the salt lakes and avoid the 60 bunkers be sure to keep an eye out to the shoreline where you may see dolphins splashing in the waves.
5. Luxurious Accommodation at Saadiyat Island
Jumeirah, St Regis and Park Hyatt are just some of the luxurious accommodation brands that have opened in Saadiyat Island. Each has a range of accommodation choices, plentiful restaurants and all the amenities you would expect of a plush resort including swimming pools, spas and tennis courts. Take a look at our special offers for families during school holidays and romantic deals for couples.
6. Cultural experiences at Saadiyat Island
Manarat Al Saadiyat is known as ‘a place of enlightenment’ and has become the centre for many of Abu Dhabi’s cultural events, including the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair. Alongside three galleries holding temporary exhibitions, there are art and photography studios.
7. Keeping it natural on Saadiyat Island
As Middle East holiday destinations have expanded, many islands have been man-made. Saadiyat Island is one of the few natural islands and is home to nesting hawksbill turtles. Boardwalks protect the fragile sand dunes and during nesting season lights are dimmed so as the baby turtles are not disorientated as they return to the ocean.
If you are interested in more information on a holiday to Saadiyat Island, then do get in touch with our friendly team of experts will also let you know of our latest special offers.
