Your Guide to Things to Do in Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island combines scenic beauty, culture, and luxury, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s top travel destinations. From beaches and museums to resorts and dining spots, both locals and tourists can find a variety of things to do in Saadiyat Island.

Whether you are a nature admirer, an art lover, or a cultural enthusiast, this island is the perfect place for you. Let’s delve deeper into the things to do in Saadiyat Island:

Saadiyat Island Overview

Saadiyat Island is an ideal place for arts and culture enthusiasts. Living in Saadiyat Island offers stunning views of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and the crystal blue waters, along with a resort-like lifestyle.

Location

Saadiyat Island is located in Abu Dhabi, overlooking the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf. It neighbours Al Jubail Island to the east and is surrounded by water on all other sides. It is also conveniently situated near Abu Dhabi International Airport and downtown Abu Dhabi.

Things to Do in Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island is a prestigious location in Abu Dhabi that offers something for art, culture, and nature lovers. Read on to learn about the range of things you can find on Saadiyat Island.

1. Buy or Rent Residential Properties

Spanning over 1.5 km, the island is home to Mamsha Al Saadiyat, an exclusive beachfront community featuring apartments, townhouses, and penthouses. It also boasts amenities including shops, restaurants, and entertainment outlets.

2. Stay

Tourists can discover some of the best Saadiyat Island hotels and resorts, offering unique and luxurious experiences. These resorts provide easy access to serene beaches and a chance to stay on private islands. 

The resorts on Saadiyat Island offer exceptional dining options, relaxing spas, and friendly customer service. You can find these resorts on the Island:

  • Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
  • Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas
  • Rixos Premium
  • Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
  • St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas in Saadiyat Island

3. Dining Options

Saadiyat Island features a variety of restaurants and cafes serving everything from breakfast and coffee to lunch and dinner. Whether you crave French cuisine, succulent tenderloin, a burger or something healthy, the restaurants on the island cater to diverse tastes and preferences. 

Here are some popular options:

  • Middle Eastern Cuisine: Beirut Sur Mer
  • Mediterranean Culinary Experience: Hawksbill Restaurant
  • Italian Cuisine: TOTÓ, Antonia
  • Jamaican Cuisine: Ting Irie
  • Japanese Cuisine: NIRI Restaurant & Bar
  • American Cuisine: Black Tap
  • Nordic Cuisine: Valgerand Nordic Grill
  • French Restaurant: Raclette Brasserie & Café
  • Cafe and Coffee Shops: Cafe Artea, Local Cafe, Coffee Architecture, Ten 11 Beach
  • Homemade and Healthy Food: Feels, Alkalime
  • Others: Mysk, Society, Pickl
Mysk Restaurant in Saadiyat Island

4. Leisure Activities

The neighbourhood also offers activities and experiences for nature lovers. It has beaches, providing facilities for locals and tourists to enjoy unforgettable moments. Whether you wish to lounge on sandy shores or spot dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat, the island has a variety of options. 

Here are some of the top beach destinations on Saadiyat Island:

SAL Beach at Saadiyat Island

5. Kids’ Entertainment 

This island is an excellent destination for families, offering a variety of activities to keep children entertained. From creative workshops to outdoor adventures, kids can enjoy a fun-filled experience while parents relax. Here are some of the best kids’ entertainment options on the island:

  • Family Saturdays at Offside Saadiyat – A pet-friendly weekend retreat where kids (ages 5-12) and pets dine for free from 12:00 PM to 05:00 PM. (Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort)
  • Kids and Teens Club – Offers arts, crafts, and outdoor sports, supervised by qualified staff. (Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort)
  • Camp Hyatt – A supervised play area with indoor and outdoor activities, including painting and hopscotch. (Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, 09:30 AM to 06:30 PM daily)
  • Sandcastle Club – A complimentary play zone for kids (ages 1-12) featuring arts, gaming consoles, a climbing wall, and an outdoor pool. (St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort)
  • Aladdin’s Cave – A kids’ club with a lazy river, splash pool, cinema, teen zone, and waterslide. (Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM daily)
  • Rixy Kids Club – An engaging space with musical games, movie time, kids’ discos, and a water jungle gym. (Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island)

6. Sports Activities

Saadiyat Island is equipped with sports facilities and clubs for sports enthusiasts. These clubs include a variety of amenities such as swimming pools, cabanas, spa services, contemporary dining, and more. Golf lovers can relish their time on the island with access to 9-hole and 18-hole golf courses.

  • Saadiyat Beach Club
  • Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club at Saadiyat Island

7. Art and Cultural Experiences

Saadiyat also provides opportunities for arts and culture enthusiasts. The island features the only private art foundation in Abu Dhabi, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF), showcasing the works of H.E. Bassam Said Freiha alongside the collections of regional and international patrons.

It also houses museums, educational institutions and cultural initiatives that represent the history and cultural heritage of the nation. These arts and cultural hubs include:

  • Louvre Abu Dhabi
  • Abrahamic Family House
  • Manarat Al Saadiyat
  • Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
  • teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi (Opening on 18th April 2025)

Contact Information

For further inquiries and information, you can contact the corporate office at +971-60-056-5566 or email contact@saadiyatconcierge.com

Nearby Communities

  • Al Zahiyah: 15 minutes
  • Al Reem East Island: 16 minutes
  • Saadiyat Promenade: 17 minutes
  • Al Maryah Island: 18 minutes
  • Al Jubail Island: 20 minutes

Nearby Attractions

  • Jubail Mangrove Park: 15 minutes
  • Abu Dhabi Dates Market: 15 minutes
  • The Galleria – Al Maryah Island: 17 minutes
  • Marsa Mina: 19 minutes
  • Capital Garden: 19 minutes

FAQs

1. What Is Saadiyat Island Famous For?

Saadiyat Island is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant clubs and art and cultural exhibitions, and galleries. Whether you are an art lover, a cultural enthusiast, or a nature admirer, Saadiyat Island has something for everyone.

2. Which Is Better, Saadiyat Island or Yas Island?

Choosing between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island depends on your interests. Both islands have their unique attractions. Saadiyat Island is preferred by those interested in arts and culture, while Yas Island caters more to entertainment seekers.

Both locals and tourists can discover a wide range of things to do in Saadiyat Island. Whether you are looking for pristine beaches, creative art exhibitions, or cultural galleries, Saadiyat Island is the perfect destination for you. 

However, if you are a tourist in the country’s capital and seeking exhilarating experiences, consider exploring some of the best Abu Dhabi adventure activities

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