Saadiyat: Abu Dhabi's 'Island of Joy'

Although it covers just 10 square miles—less than half the size of Manhattan—Saadiyat Island is packed with world-class culture, unspoiled nature, and endless vacation activities, making it a destination that punches far above its weight.

Situated just off the coast of Abu Dhabi in the Persian Gulf, Saadiyat Island blends nature, art, gourmet dining, and relaxation—while also offering exciting adventures and vibrant nightlife. It’s no surprise that its name in Arabic means 'Island of Happiness.'

Dolphins beyond the sand dunes

While Abu Dhabi dazzles with its striking modern architecture, Saadiyat Island—just a short 20-minute drive from both downtown and the international airport—offers a natural sanctuary, framed by gentle sand dunes.

Bottlenose and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins frequently visit the crystal-clear waters of Saadiyat, often accompanied by the endangered hawksbill turtles that nest along the island’s 5.5-mile coastline from March to June. Each nest can contain up to 100 eggs, though only one in 1,000 hawksbill turtles reaches adulthood. Elevated boardwalks ensure the safety of these turtles, part of a conservation initiative by Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and its resident marine biologist.

Gazelles roaming the golf course

The island's wildlife extends beyond the waters. Red Arabian foxes and peacocks roam freely, and golfers at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club often need to time their swings around the movements of Arabian gazelles.

Over 300 bird species are recorded across Abu Dhabi annually. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has earned the prestigious Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation, which means the club actively supports natural areas and wildlife habitats while minimizing the environmental impact of the golf course. Thanks to its conservation efforts, more than 150 bird species are regularly spotted around the course.

In the near future, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will open in 2025, located in Saadiyat's Cultural District—a hub for the arts, heritage, and culture, which will house seven world-class museums and performance venues.

The new museum will span nearly 400,000 square feet and include both educational and research facilities. Its exhibits will feature some of the rarest specimens on Earth, from meteorites to a complete T. rex skeleton.

A Blue Flag-certified beach

Saadiyat Beach Club, a key player in turtle conservation, offers an idyllic oceanfront setting with a Blue Flag-certified beach—considered one of the finest in the Middle East—along with vibrant entertainment for those looking to party.

Instagram-worthy outdoor pools are lined with cabanas and daybeds, while DJs spin tunes and live jazz and R&B musicians perform throughout the day. A fully equipped gym, spa, and sauna keep guests feeling their best.

Safina offers Mediterranean cuisine, while Cabana 9 specializes in Arabic dishes and features a shisha lounge.

Open throughout the year, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club features an 18-hole course designed by the legendary South African golfer Gary Player. Player has also hosted charity invitational tournaments at the club in previous years.

From the black tees, the course stretches to an impressive 7,784 yards, making it the longest in the UAE. The challenge is heightened by numerous sand traps scattered across the course.

With highly skilled coaches and thoughtful pin placements, everyone, no matter their skill level, is sure to have a great time. Stay-and-play packages are available at nearby accommodations, including the luxurious St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.

Around the globe in 50 meals

Mamsha Al Saadiyat, a coastal neighborhood with breathtaking views of a pristine beach and the Gulf's crystal-clear waters, boasts a beautiful waterfront promenade. Dining is a favorite activity in the UAE, and there’s no shortage of choices here. At spots like Ten 11 Beach and Cafe Artea, enjoy healthy options such as smoked salmon in tataki sauce or figs and burrata on zaatar flatbread. For a taste of Lebanon, Beirut Sur Mer serves up classic dishes accompanied by the lively tunes of Lebanese music.

At Antonia, an Italian trattoria, the star attraction is Roman-style pizza made from a 50-year-old sourdough starter. For those craving authentic New York flavors, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes delivers, while NIRI, a contemporary Japanese restaurant, offers sushi along with grilled wagyu beef and lobster from the robata grill.

Culture worthy of the Louvre

Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is France’s largest cultural venture abroad. Its stunning collection is housed in a groundbreaking building by Jean Nouvel, the Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning architect.

The museum guides visitors through a chronological exploration of global civilization, from the dawn of humanity to the modern era. Its permanent collection of 700 artifacts includes ancient Greek amphorae, Roman gold jewelry, Chinese porcelain, and masterpieces by artists such as Bellini and Manet. This is further enriched by an annual loan of 300 additional pieces from museums worldwide, including 100 from the Louvre in Paris.

In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions. For a unique experience, visitors can take a moonlit kayak tour around the museum to admire the striking architecture from the water. Tickets are available on the Louvre Abu Dhabi's website.

Louvre Abu Dhabi isn’t the only cultural gem on Saadiyat Island—just behind the dunes, you'll also find two world-class educational institutions.

Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music has opened its first Middle East campus in the Cultural District. This 42,000-square-foot arts education center celebrates contemporary music and performing arts, featuring state-of-the-art studios, performance venues, multimedia labs, and more.

NYU Abu Dhabi, a branch of the renowned New York University, offers degree programs and has been welcoming students from over 120 countries since its 2010 opening. The campus offers public programs, including performances, art exhibitions, and lectures, all open to the public.