There are a number of areas in the capital that could lay claim to having it all, but Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi truly does. Postcard-worthy beaches with pristine sands and turquoise water, some of the city’s best hotels and culture in spades.
Saadiyat Island means “island of happiness” and is a natural island and tourism-cultural project. There’s something for everyone on this gorgeous island, which is also home to New York University Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi and Cranleigh Abu Dhabi.
Taking up their place along the shoreline you can find five stunning hotels resorts, each with their own private beach reserved for in-house guests. For a day trip to Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, the beautiful Soul Beach, located at Mamsha Al Saadiyat is a picturesque as it gets.
Speaking of culture, the Arts Center at NYUAD’s performing arts season is a highlight every year for those seeking out incredible performances and mind-blowing events.
Just down the road towards the Cultural District you’ll find Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi soon be joined by more massive museums such as Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, The Natural History Museum, teamLab Phenomena and Zayed National museum. In short, there are loads of things to do on Saadiyat, no matter what you’re after.
Ready to explore Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi? Let’s go.
Jump to:
- Arts and culture on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi
- Public beaches
- Best restaurants on Saadiyat Island
- Best cafés on Saadiyat
- Best nightlife on Saadiyat Island
Arts and culture on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi
The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
One of the gems of Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi’s arts scene is The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi. The arts center puts on a season of programmes each semester, which usually includes theatre, music, talks, workshops and dance performances around a particular theme. There is also popular programming such as Rooftop Rhythms, which is a spoken word poetry performance and open mic; CinemaNa, with film screenings; Hekayah, Barzakh Festival and Music Recitals. If you’re short on culture in the capital, just check out the Arts Center.
Click here for the latest Arts Center lineup of events.
NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, nyuad-artscenter.org.
Berklee Abu Dhabi
Aspiring musical stars, this is one for you on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. The prestigious American arts college Berklee has a branch in Abu Dhabi at the revamped UAE Pavilion building, complete with stellar facilities including a performance space, a world-class recording studio, rehearsal studios, practice rooms and tech labs. There are dance classes for kids and educational programmes for anyone aspiring to take their musical career to new heights.
Click here to learn more about Berklee opening in Abu Dhabi.
Open daily, 9am-9pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, berklee.edu (02 657 5920).
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Since opening, Louvre Abu Dhabi has become one of the most popular tourist spots not only on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, but in the entire region, too. Head inside and you’ll get to see works by famous names throughout art history as well as modern greats. The paintings often change and some artworks are loaned for a short time so you can get a different experience every time you visit. There’s a rotating exhibition space and kids’ museum too.
For the full guide to The Louvre Abu Dhabi, click here.
Museum entry Dhs63, free for under 18s and over 60s. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat is one of the best art galleries in Abu Dhabi. There’s always something cool going on in this space for art, cultural activities and community events. There are exhibitions to see, talks with prominent local and international artists, and film screenings. Manarat Al Saadiyat is also home to the annual Abu Dhabi Art Fair, where art enthusiasts can expect to see loads of galleries showcasing art from North Africa, Turkey and the larger MENA region.
Click here to learn about Abu Dhabi Art 2022.
Open daily, 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, manaratalsaadiyat.ae (02 657 5800).
NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery
Looking to see some amazing art on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi? The NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery is a major gallery in the region as the Gulf’s first and only university gallery with a program of scholarly and experimental museum exhibitions. There’s a rotating roster of exhibitions to see with a new exhibition, Khaleej Modern, set to open in September 2022.
Click here to learn about the latest exhibition at the gallery.
New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island nyuad-artgallery.org
Public beaches
Kai Beach
White sand, gorgeous blues and the occasional sea turtle popping its head up to say hello. Kai Beach Saadiyat is located near Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. If the location sounds familiar, that’s because Kai is taking over where Saadiyat Public Beach used to be. The new Abu Dhabi beach will now be managed by Saadiyat Beach Club and is open daily from 7am to sunset. There are no reservations and entry is on a first come first served basis.
For the full guide to Kai Beach Saadiyat, click here.
Dhs75 (adults, weekdays), Dhs35 (kids, weekdays), Dhs95 (adults, weekends), Dhs60 (kids, weekends). Daily, 7am-sunset. Saadiyat Island, kaibeachsaadiyat.com.
Soul Beach
Soul Beach is easily one of the most beautiful locations in the country, let alone on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. Powdery white sands and Saadiyat blues, could you ask for more? Entry is Dhs50 for adults and Dhs25 for kids on weekdays and Dhs70 for adults and Dhs40 for kids on weekends. If you’re wondering where to eat after your beach day, there are loads of awesome restaurants at Mamsha, too. Plan to make a whole day of it, just don’t forget your sunblock.
For the best beaches in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily, 6am-7pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (050 929 0936).
Best restaurants on Saadiyat Island
Alkalime
Looking for a boho spot at Mamsha Al Saadiyat where you can kick back after soaking up some vitamin D? Alkalime is all about food that makes you feel good on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. Take in the beauty of Soul Beach while sipping an artisanal coffee or chowing down on some delicious healthy food. The salads here are ace.
For Time Out’s review of Alkalime click here.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (054 449 1547).
Antonia
Pizza, pasta and views of the stunning Soul Beach on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi… what more can you ask for? On the menu you’ll find pasta, a selection of pizza al taglio with traditional toppings, Italian grape, hops and more. The restaurant promises to deliver the streets of Rome to the Arabian Gulf with “a touch of Nonna’s love.” We’re sold.
To learn more about Antonia opening at Mamsha, click here.
Open daily, noon-11pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, (02 667 2554).
Beach House
Beach House might be temporarily closed for the summer (makes sense, not many people are willing to sit outside during this season) but a Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi guide would be incomplete without it. You’ll find Beach House right on the shores of Saadiyat Beach as part of the glam Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. Serving a mostly Spanish and Italian Mediterranean menu, it would be hard not to find something to love. There’s no bad view here and if you’re lucky you might even see some Saadiyat gazelles roaming across the shore.
For the full Time Out Review of Beach House, click here.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138).
Beirut Sur Mer
Looking for Lebanese food on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi? Beautiful interiors and picture-perfect views, Beirut Sur Mer is one of the darlings of Mamsha for a reason. Get stuck into brilliant Lebanese plates with many menu options. Choose from cold mezze, hot mezze, moreish mains and delicious desserts on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi.
For Time Out’s full review of Beirut Sur Mer click here.
Open daily, 9am-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (054 395 4000).
Fouquets
Fouquets is a famed Parisian brasserie that has found a home in Abu Dhabi in the heard of Saadiyat Island at The Louvre. Oh la la! Walking into the incredible museum and below the dome as a beginning to a dining experience is pretty incredible. Inside, the restaurant is sleek and chic. It’s certainly a fine dining experience and one that would be difficult to replicate.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Fouquet’s.
Tue-Thu, noon-10pm; Fri-Sat noon-10.30pm; Sun noon-10pm (closed Monday). Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (02 205 4200).
Mazi
Mazi Abu Dhabi is officially open again at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, and it’s serving up Greek specialties and Mediterranean vibes on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. Did someone say tzatziki? There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a traditional Greek menu with a relaxed atmosphere.
Click here to learn more about Mazi re-opening.
Open Wed-Sat, Mon noon-3pm, 7pm-11pm; Sun 1pm-4pm, 7pm-11pm (closed Tue). St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8955).
Pickl
Dubai’s beloved homegrown burger joint is open at Mamsha on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi to much fanfare. The menu is all about high quality ingredients of the highest quality, including the homemade pickles. There’s the fiery Nashville chicken sando and famous double bacon cheeseburger to try. Vegetarians can go for the Impossible burger.
To read Time Out’s review of Pickl at Mamsha Al Saadiyat click here.
Open daily 11am-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, eatpickl.com
Sontaya
Love sunsets? How could you not? Sontaya translates to “sunset” and sits on the glamorous St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The Asian restaurant offers al fresco food and drinks among the palm trees and pools on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. Dishes come from around South East Asia and the Far East, offering a load of choice. That sunset is calling your name. It’s time to answer it.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Sontaya.
Open daily, 6pm-midnight. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8088).
Best cafés on Saadiyat
Aptitude Café
After you’ve taken in the majesty of The Louvre Abu Dhabi, be sure to make time to swing by Aptitude Café. Featuring plenty of greenery, swaying palms and indoor and outdoor seating, this zen spot is an ideal café on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi for artsy types. Sky, water and the beautiful Louvre Abu Dhabi – during an Abu Dhabi sunset it’s even prettier in pink.
For the prettiest cafés in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily, 9am-10pm. Louvre Abu Dhabi (050 988 5445).
Blacksmith Coffee Company
Head to Blacksmith Coffee Company on the NYUAD campus and you’re guaranteed two things: great coffee, and lots and lots of students on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. There’s a healthy buzz, but it’s definitely not too loud, and an excellent spot to get some work done remotely. It’s no wonder people love working there remotely.
For the best remote working cafés in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily, 7am-10pm. New York University Abu Dhabi (02 650 1881).
Coffee Architecture
There are few words better than specialty coffee, especially when that coffee comes with a side of Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi ocean views. Coffee Architecture is all about seriously good beans. Head there for a morning wake up call, midday slump-buster or get caffeinated at night (as is the Abu Dhabi way). The minimalist menu is mostly about the coffee but you can also get a bite of something sweet to go with your beans.
For where to eat at Mamsha, click here.
Open Sun-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (055 446 3433).
Ethr
If you’re looking to feel really cool while you sip an espresso, this is the spot on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi for you. Ethr is a design studio and coffee house that exudes hip vibes. The interior is a showroom for the studio’s latest collections, and is an open space for creatives to get together and talk about art. There are desserts and pastries on the menu, including a saffron milk cake.
For the most Instagrammable cafés in Abu Dhabi click here.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-11pm; Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (050 580 1892).
Local Mamsha
Local Mamsha on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is about more than just great coffee. Head there for haircare, boutique shopping and the all-important caffeine buzz. Local Mamsha houses quirky brands that are hard to find in the UAE, go there for a trendy new cut and find yourself with an armful of awesome products and a cool café experience.
For the best quirky cafés in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily 8am-11pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, localco.ae
Best nightlife on Saadiyat Island
Hamilton’s Gastropub
There are plenty of trendy nightlife spots in Abu Dhabi. But sometimes often old favourites that have you returning again and again. Hamilton’s Gastropub is one such place – where the food, drinks and vibes are always immaculate. This bar on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi strikes the optimal balance between classy and casual.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Hamilton’s Gastropub.
Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat-Sun 11am-2am. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas (02 697 0125).
Manhattan Lounge
Nights out on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi are about as classy as it’s going to get. And if you’re looking for a dashing place to spend an evening, Manhattan Lounge is where it’s at. This is the ideal spot to have a drink and some quiet conversation and the bartenders are more than happy to whip up a specialty drink.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Manhattan Lounge.
Open daily, noon-midnight. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, marriott.com (02 498 8888).
Marta Bar
Another classy joint, Marta Bar is a secret bar at The Louvre Abu Dhabi. If you’re looking for a special night out on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. You emerge from a ride through The Louvre into a secret elevator beside Fouquet’s, which takes you into a long room with a patterned mirror and art-deco vibes. The menu includes every kind of mixed drink you could ask for, just be sure to look the part as the dress code is casual-chic with no trainers or shorts allowed in the evenings.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Marta Bar.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (02 205 4200).
Ting Irie
Ting Irie, a favourite Jamaican spot in Dubai, has arrived in Abu Dhabi at Mamsha Saadiyat Abu Dhabi and it’s offering some of the best nightlife around. This spot is all about good vibes, jerk flavours and buzzing nights at the bar. The Mamsha branch has a laid-back terrace and indoor seating to choose from, but if you’re visiting during the winter you’re going to want to have your drink al fresco. There’s some pretty spectacular DJ’s and ladies’ night deals too.
Click here for the full Time Out review of Ting Irie at Mamsha.
Open Mon-Thu 11am-11.30pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat-Sun 10am-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (02 886 7786).
