While throngs of people have flocked to Manarat Al Saadiyat for Abu Dhabi Art and the other exhibitions hosted there, many have neglected to visit the Saadiyat Story; the only permanent exhibition in the structure. We ventured over to this section to learn about the development plans for Saadiyat Island over the next few years, as well as the ambitions of Abu Dhabi’s leaders in creating a cultural and artistic hub in the emirate.
We were greeted by a very friendly receptionist called Ali who offered to walk us through the exhibition. The Saadiyat Story is made up of nine chapters, each detailing the various aspects of the development plans for Saadiyat Island. In the entrance is a collection of books which highlight the history of the United Arab Emirates, as well as Abu Dhabi. The books cannot be borrowed, but visitors are encouraged to have a read in the comfortable and sleek entrance. Looking at the walls, Ali explains how the island of Abu Dhabi developed, as well as the islands surrounding it. ‘As you can see from the map, Abu Dhabi is full of little islands that are being connected. The Maqtaa Bridge was actually the first to be developed,’ he explains. On one wall we see some old images. ‘These are over 40 years old,’ Ali says. ‘Some of these structures still exist in Abu Dhabi, but others don’t.’ Among the images are pictures of the first bank that was established in the capital, as well as the first school.
Following a brief introduction, we walk through a passage to a large amphitheatre with huge screens shaped in a semi-circle. We sit down to watch a short video, which details the spectacular vision of the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a vision being continued and implemented by his son HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The set-up is very impressive; the walls seem to be adorned with thick carpets and the design is very modern and inviting. The film consists of numerous scenes depicting the achievements and aspirations of Abu Dhabi and we leave the screening with a sense of pride at being residents in this great city.
Once you leave the amphitheatre, you go through the other chapters of the Saadiyat Story. There are large 3D models with construction plans for the structures that will be the pride of the Cultural District on the island, each designed by an award-winning architect. Of particular interest are the Zayed National Museum, designed by Lord Norman Foster, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi designed by Frank Gehry. In addition to galleries and museums, there are also plans for a Performing Arts Centre designed by Zaha Hadid, a Maritime Museum by Tadao Ando at the marina, as well as a souk and a canal. The plans being displayed here are in line with the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision, a fact that is mentioned several times throughout.
As we pass through the rest of the exhibition, we learn more about the designs of the museums with interactive kiosks. There are digital books that can be browsed using arm motions and plaques explaining various details of the ambitions of this project. By 2030, the island of Saadiyat will house some of the most exclusive and noteworthy art structures of the world.
Amid the various construction plans is the Saadiyat Beach section which outlines its commitment to preserving the natural wildlife found in the region. The developers of this massive project; TDIC, have pledged to work in tandem with nature, by not disturbing the mangroves and animals that reside on Saadiyat. One of these animals is the endangered Hawksbill turtle, which lays its eggs on Saadiyat Beach.
A notable feature of the exhibition is the dedication to the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan or ‘Baba Zayed’ as the guide calls him. In truth, none of this vision would have been possible without his drive and ambitions. When these plans are implemented, it’ll help this island transform into a regional and international centre for art and culture.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is open daily 10am-8pm. For more information visit www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae (02 657 5900).
