A guide to Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island: where to eat, shop, visit and stay
27 February, 2020
With museums, performances, beach days and staycations, there’s plenty happening on Saadiyat Island. About a five-minute drive from central Abu Dhabi, it’s home to cultural institutions such as for example Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat. That’s not all: it also includes a pristine beach and a significant American university.
Things to do
Opened in 2017 as the Paris landmark’s first international outpost, Louvre Abu Dhabi is really worth a visit, though it is closed on Mondays. Contact to see an exhibition or make an effort to catch a live show. Manarat Al Saadiyat is another stop for art lovers. Not only does it have exhibitions, in addition, it hosts workshops and the annual Abu Dhabi Art show. For many who prefer sunbathing, head to Saadiyat Beach for white sands and views of the Arabian Gulf. Bodytree barre and yoga classes are also offered by Saadiyat Beach Club. Afterwards, head to New York University Abu Dhabi and visit a show at the Arts Centre.
Where to eat
There’s no shortage of top-notch restaurants to go to on the island. Sontaya at the St Regis Saadiyat serves Thai food with a view. It is well suited for special occasions: if weather permits, discover a spot outside. For other panoramic scenes, check out Beach House at Park Hyatt and present the rooftop bar a visit. For options outside hotels, browse the newly opened Fouquet’s at Louvre Abu Dhabi; it’s another Parisian export and was made by Pierre Gagnaire, owner of the eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant. There’s also Larte in Manarat Al Saadiyat, which cooks up Italian favourites in a laid-back setting. You will find a swing set, grassy yard and a good stack of board games to play with.
Where to shop
There are no malls on the island, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo shopping. Check out the gift store at Louvre Abu Dhabi (you don’t need an admission ticket) to get art-inspired home decor, stationery and children’s books. For older readers, check out NYUAD’s bookstore and see what the English majors are into nowadays. On Fridays, The Collection at St Regis hosts Ripe Market, where organic and natural produce and superfoods are available.
Where to stay
Whether you’re on holiday or taking a staycation, there are a good amount of five-star hotels to pick from. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi’s only all-inclusive hotel. Other options are the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Park Hyatt and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.
The one must-do
Every year, a large number of baby sea turtles make their way safely into the sea after hatching in Abu Dhabi. The hawksbill turtles, which are critically endangered, emerge on the nine-kilometre stretch of Saadiyat Beach from six nests that have been protected by beach patrol volunteers. To join up to help, visit nyuad.nyu.edu.
Source: www.thenational.ae
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