Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat Island, island located in the Persian Gulf and part of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In the 21st century it was developed as a tourism and cultural hub for the city.

The government of the Abu Dhabi emirate conceived of the idea to develop Saadiyat Island in 2004 as part of a larger plan to diversify the emirate’s oil-dependent economy. The project was carried out through the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), which was founded in 2006 by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism to develop and promote tourism-related projects in the emirate.

The island has since become home to world-class cultural centres. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, includes ancient and modern works from a variety of countries, including Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and the Middle East. It also serves as a platform for educational programs, temporary exhibitions, and cultural events that promote cross-cultural understanding and an appreciation for art. In addition, under construction are a location of the Guggenheim Museum and the Zayed National Museum, the latter of which will present the history of the United Arab Emirates through the biographical lens of the life of Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s founding president (1971–2004) and emir of Abu Dhabi (1966–2004). Situated between the island’s cultural district and its seaside resorts is a community arts centre for curated exhibitions, performances, and workshops known as Manarat al-Saadiyat (meaning “The Lighthouse of Saadiyat” in Arabic).

The island hosts New York University Abu Dhabi, a partnership between New York University (NYU) and the government of Abu Dhabi. NYU Abu Dhabi opened for its first semester of classes in 2010.

Saadiyat Island’s economy, driven by tourism and luxury accommodation, is primarily oriented around services and real estate. The island’s hotels, beaches, and upscale residential areas, all meticulously designed to create an atmosphere of comfort and extravagance, have made it one of the most attractive areas in the city for investment and rental property.