Picturesquely situated 500m off the shores of Abu Dhabi lies breathtaking Saadiyat Island which is set to transform into one of the world’s most popular resort havens. As a low lying island with expansive spaces the site is currently undergoing development to become a leisure, residential and retail hub like no other in the region in less than a decade from now. Tipped to become the country’s cultural heartland this scenic island will encompass a wide range of leisure, entertainment, educational, retail, commercial and residential possibilities, the likes of which has never been seen before.
Divided into seven districts namely the Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Lagoons, Saadiyat Marina, Saadiyat Beach, Saadiyat Promenade, Saadiyat Reserves and Saadiyat Retreat the 27 square kilometre space will feature grand structures designed by the world’s top architects and conceptualists. The Saadiyat Cultural District is perhaps the most captivating project in development with its very own incarnations of world renowned institutions and museums taking centre stage. Highlights include the Zayed National Museum designed by icons Foster & Partners and the Louvre Abu Dhabi designed by Jean Nouvel which will feature a 600 foot diameter dome that floats above waterways and surrounding structures in a spectacle of light. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum is another point of interest as Frank Gehry’s vision for this iconic institution pays homage to traditional Gulf architectural elements with conical shapes. The Zaha Hadid designed Performing Arts Centre will also be an artistic hub like no other with concert halls, theatres, opera houses, music halls and vast performance spaces.
The Saadiyat Marina on the other hand will largely encompass a world class business district, a top-notch marina, waterfront eateries and resorts in a land area of 3,700,000 m². The Maritime Museum planned by famed architect Tadao Ando is another key component while Saadiyat Beach will feature 9km of natural, sandy beaches, resorts and a championship golf course designed by Gary Player.
The 931,000m² Saadiyat Promenade will serve as a family resort complete with boardwalks and beach cafes while the Saadiyat Lagoons will house a tidal lagoon system and a host of scenic waterfront residences. The main highlight of the Saadiyat Reserves includes the tidal golf course designed by Trent Jones II which will occupy most of its 4.68km² space.
Travellers on the lookout for Abu Dhabi luxury hotels will be more than satisfied with the elegant Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Ideally situated in the Liwa Desert this stylish rest with exquisite private villas is one of the finest Abu Dhabi hotels in the Empty Quarter.
