Saadiyat Island was recently crowned by the World Travel Awards as the Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination for 2023, marking an incredible winning streak of 12 consecutive years.
Such recognition is not surprising. After all, the island has always surpassed the expectations of those seeking to find the best beach in Abu Dhabi to relax and unwind with its unspoiled coastline stretching for kilometres, glistening turquoise waters, white sands and stunning natural landscapes.
In addition to being a picture-perfect beach paradise, Saadiyat Island caters to the diverse interests of its visitors by offering a lot of attractions and activities to enjoy. Whether you are a nature lover, an art enthusiast or just looking to spend quality time with your family, here are six things to do on Saadiyat Island that you wouldn’t want to miss:
1. Stay at a Luxurious Resort
Make the most of your Saadiyat Island trip by staying at one of its six exclusive waterfront resorts, which are:
- St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
- Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
- Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
- Nuri Island
Each resort offers distinctive architectural design, unparalleled amenities, and exceptional services. However, they all share some key elements: their prime beachfront locations on Saadiyat Island, the tranquillity and seclusion of their surroundings, lush landscaped greenery, captivating natural beauty, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
2. Explore the Wildlife
Saadiyat Island is a haven for wildlife and marine creatures. Among the various species that inhabit this island, the Arabian gazelles are a common sighting, especially around the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
In certain seasons, you can spot Hawksbill turtles nesting on the island’s pristine beaches, and Indian Ocean humpback dolphins playfully swim along the shorelines.
For avid birdwatchers, the island’s mangroves, green spaces and wetlands attract a large number of birds. These include the Pied Kingfisher, a rare winter visitor in the UAE, the Western Reef-Heron in its white and grey colours, and the Common Sandpiper with its signature sing-songy call.
3. Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum features a massive collection of artworks and artefacts from different civilizations, showcasing the similarities and exchanges of the universal human narrative that transcends nationality, geography and history.
Here, you’ll find 9,200 square metres of galleries to explore. These include a Permanent Gallery and a Temporary Gallery that displays loaned artworks from renowned French museums such as Centre Pompidou, Musee d’Orsay and Musee du Louvre.
Perhaps the most iconic feature of the museum is its striking dome crafted by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Jean Nouvel. The dome’s intricate star-shaped perforations filter the sun’s rays through eight stainless steel and aluminium layers, creating what Nouvel calls “a rain of light”. This design pays homage to Arab architecture and adds to the museum’s stunning aesthetics.
4. Get a Day Pass to Saadiyat Beach Club
If you’re looking for the ultimate pampering experience, Saadiyat Beach Club is where you’ll find it. You can start your day with a refreshing dip in the 650-square-metre infinity pool overlooking the beach or relax with a book on one of their sun loungers.
Afterwards, head to the spa for a rejuvenating massage and enjoy the sauna and steam rooms. And when you’re feeling hungry, grab a bite at the pool bar or sit down for a delicious meal at one of the club’s famous restaurants: Safina and La Salle.
5. Play a Round of Golf
Teeing off on Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course, surrounded by crystal blue waters and sandy shores, is an experience that no avid golfer will soon forget. The Par 72 course was designed by golfing legend Gary Player to test the skills of both professional and amateur players with 60 bunkers and tees placed over a distance of 5,290 yards.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club also has a golf academy where you can learn from PGA-certified instructors to perfect your swing and take those last few strokes off your game.
6. Dine at One of the Island’s Fine Restaurants
On Mamsha Al Saadiyat, the island’s bustling beachfront promenade, you’ll find 18 cafes and restaurants with something to satisfy every palate. The following are a few note-worthy options:
- Black Tap: A New York-style burger joint famous for its mighty patties with creative and indulgent toppings, such as pear bacon jam or smoked gouda and truffle, as well as their CrazyShakes.
- Beirut Sur Mer: A Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand award winner that offers the finest Lebanese cuisine in a charming seafront setting.
- Raclette Brasserie and Café: A French restaurant and a cheese-lovers paradise that serves traditional Swiss raclette, baked camembert and even burrata fondues as well as classic desserts like tarte Tatin, crepes and profiteroles.
Book Your Saadiyat Island Getaway
If you want to treat yourself to a well-earned vacation or a quick weekend getaway, Saadiyat Island is the perfect destination. From luxury resorts and world-class cultural attractions to exciting outdoor activities and exquisite dining experiences, this oasis has it all.
So, book your trip to Saadiyat Island today and get ready to experience the best of what Abu Dhabi has to offer.
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