Saadiyat Island, 27 square kilometers, is only seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and is now transforming into a world-class center for entertainment, accommodation, business and culture. The island is home to the largest gathering of the world's leading cultural institutions, including the Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi - all designed by Pritzker Architects.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is a visitor center designed to enlighten tourists, as evidenced by the name, and to achieve the island's vision on the ground. Two of Manara's showrooms are open to the public: The Saadiyat Story, a permanent exhibition offering visitors an interactive showcasing the historical and cultural vision behind the Al Jazeera project, and the Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, which hosts various art galleries and educational programs.
The UAE pavilion received nearly two million visitors during World Expo 2010 after the UAE pavilion exhibits were moved piece by piece from Shanghai. Today, this pavilion stands out as a new landmark on the map of local exhibitions and events where some of the country's most prominent cultural events are held. The pavilion is in the shape of a magnificent dune, designed by London-based Foster & Partners.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the region's first racetrack with a crater overlooking the ocean and is a masterpiece designed by international player Gary Player to blend in with the natural beauty of the beautiful white sandy Saadiyat Island beaches, creating a truly unique gaming experience.
With the opening of two five-star facilities on the island - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi - with other projects underway, the island's leisure and hospitality sector is growing at a rapid rate. With its own unique style, Saadiyat Beach Club emulates the elegance of its sister club on the famous Riviera. Recreational services include an outdoor swimming pool, a gym with fitness programs, spa facilities, sauna and steam rooms, swimming pools and children's play areas, as well as private chalets and sofas on the charming white sandy beach.
Saadiyat Public Beach, located on the island's stunning natural beaches and spread over 400 meters, is a great place to spend the day and enjoy the warm waters of Abu Dhabi. The beach has a wide range of services including deckchairs, bathrooms, lockers, dressing rooms, towels, umbrellas, ample parking and lifeguards available throughout the day. Saadiyat Public Beach is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm with a basic entrance fee of only AED 25 for adults ($ 6.8) and AED 15 for children ($ 4.1) over six years.
Hawksbill turtles, the first guests of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, are still building nests on the vast beach. The nine-kilometer Saadiyat Beach hosts nesting hawksbill turtles annually. These turtles have been considered endangered according to the Red List of Endangered Species, as their numbers have decreased by more than 80% globally over the past three generations, due to the destruction of their habitats and poaching. Since TDIC launched its falcon beak conservation program in early 2010 and has received approval from developers, contractors and resort workers, about 650 eggs have successfully hatched on Saadiyat Island
