Saadiyat Island is one of the few destinations in Abu Dhabi that offers exceptional nature and cultural activities.
With over 2,700 hectares of land and coastal areas, this island is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature, art, and culture. And with the latest Saadiyat Island packages and offers, you can make the most of your visit here while saving a few bucks.
Saadiyat Island’s Top Nature and Culture Activities
Below are some of the best nature, art, and cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss out on when you’re on Saadiyat Island:
1. Enjoy a seaside escape.
Saadiyat Island boasts some of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, which are:
- Saadiyat Beach Club
- Kai Beach
- Soul Beach
- SAL Beach
These beaches boast powdery white sand and clear azure water, which make them the perfect spots for relaxation and fun.
Lay a blanket on the sand or find a vacant lounger where you can work on your tan, enjoy the views, and relax. Frolic in the water when you want to cool down a bit. You can also go scuba diving or snorkelling if you want to see the beautiful underwater world and creatures, including ghost crabs, corals, and various species of fish.
Go for a stroll along the seashore to get more amazing views of the Arabian Gulf and other sceneries.
The beaches have different onsite dining options, including restaurants and food trucks. As such, you can enjoy great food and refreshing drinks without leaving the area.
2. Discover the local wildlife.
The warm waters near Saadiyat Island attract a variety of fascinating aquatic creatures, including hawksbill turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
Hawksbill turtles migrate to Saadiyat Island and lay about 100 to 150 eggs every season. If you’re lucky, you can see them and their nesting sites from the viewing platform.
Bottlenose and Indian Ocean humpback dolphins are also drawn to the warm water near Saadiyat Island. You’ll likely see them playing in the sea as you relax by the beach.
You might also see green turtles, sea snakes, and dugongs when you’re by the seashore.
The island also boasts mangroves and seagrass beds that serve as home to hundreds of fish and other marine species that contribute to the area’s biodiversity.
3. Immerse yourself in local and international artwork.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the country’s and Middle East’s first universal museum. It’s one of the biggest art and cultural institutions in the country with thousands of artworks from different countries and eras.
The museum boasts over 9,200 square metres of displays, including permanent collections and artworks on loan from the Musee du Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and other French galleries.
It also has temporary galleries that feature special and seasonal exhibitions throughout the year.
Aside from artworks, Louvre Abu Dhabi also houses artefacts from different cultures and civilisations.
The museum itself is a wonder to behold. Join a kayaking tour to take a look at its centrepiece, the Dome, and its stunning exterior. You can also get incredible views of the waters surrounding the area.
4. Experience artistic and cultural enlightenment.
Manarat Al Saadiyat (MAS) means ‘a place of enlightenment’ in English. It’s Saadiyat Island’s main art, cultural activity, and community events centre.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is a cultural community featuring exhibitions, art workshops, seminars, and talks where guests can exchange ideas. It supports Abu Dhabi’s aim for cultural diversity, entrepreneurship, and local grassroots initiatives.
The Art Studio is a multidisciplinary space that hosts art classes, workshops, and education programmes. These events are open to everyone interested.
MAS is also home to the Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Gallery, which features temporary exhibits. Its Photography Studio hosts regular classes and workshops conducted by professional photographers to help budding shutterbugs hone their skills.
Additionally, Manarat Al Saadiyat has an outdoor events terrace, a 250-seat auditorium, a café, and a brasserie. It is also home to the yearly Abu Dhabi Art fair.
5. Learn more about different religions.
If you want to expand your understanding of different religions, visit the Abrahamic Family House located in the Saadiyat Cultural District.
The Abrahamic Family House is a compound where you can find three houses of worship: a mosque (the Eminence Ahmed El Tayeb Mosque), a Catholic church (St. Francis Church Abu Dhabi), and a synagogue (Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue).
The centre aims to bring people from these three religious backgrounds together to converse, connect, and exchange ideas. It also regularly hosts scholars and thought leaders from different parts of the world to share their knowledge in their fields.
The Abrahamic Family House welcomes locals and travellers and encourages everyone to practise their respective faiths in their house of worship. Guests can also explore the centre through brief tours, immersive journeys, and community activities.
The best hotels to stay at Saadiyat Island can also immerse you in nature and culture. These hotels and resorts offer stunning waterfront views and beach access. Moreover, their architecture and interiors feature artistic designs that will impress you.
With several beaches, museums, cultural centres, and hotels under its name, you’ll definitely enjoy the best of nature, art, and culture on Saadiyat Island.