Everything You Need to Know About Saadiyat Island - Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District Named One of the Best Places to Go in 2026

Saadiyat Beach

With sand so bright you’d better not leave your sunglasses at home, Saadiyat Beach is a jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown. Lined with 5 star hotels, waterfront dining and beach clubs, it’s picture perfect - and wouldn’t look out of place on postcards from The Maldives. The sand is startlingly white, the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf glitter beneath year-round sunshine and if you keep an eye out, you’ll spot dolphins and sea turtles doing their thing in the calm waters. 

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Saadiyat Island Cultural District

Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi’s cultural district - bringing renowned international names in the art and museum space to the UAE, as well as homegrown exhibitions and cultural must-visit locations. It’s been home to The Louvre Abu Dhabi since November 2017, the Abrahamic Family House since March 2023 and Manarat Al Saadiyat from way back in 2009. It’s on for young and old now though, with Saadiyat Island’s museum precinct booming in 2025. Joining the existing icons, we’ve seen the addition of teamLab Phenomena Modern Art Museum (April 2025), Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (landing on November 22nd 2025) and Zayed National Museum (throwing open the doors on December 3rd 2025). Rounding out the pack, the Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi is slated for a 2026 opening, completing the massive investment and expansion of these global superstar museums and galleries landing in Abu Dhabi - for now. So which ones are a must-do on your trip to Saadiyat Island? We can make a case for all of them - but check out our highlights below to see which one is the best fit for you!

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Louvre Abu Dhabi

Why queue for hours to visit the Louvre in Paris when you can pop into the Louvre Abu Dhabi any day of the week (well, except for Mondays, they’re closed for a rest!)! Housed beneath an iconic dome - 180 metres in diameter, 7500 tonnes in weight, it creates a ‘rain of light’ effect with the sunlight filtering through 7850 stars formed by the structure of the dome - the Louvre’s a sight to behold. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, it boasts a range of exhibitions spanning ancient civilizations through to modern art, and you’ll often find some truly special pieces on loan from their Parisian counterpart - Da Vinci, Picasso, Van Gogh and Cezanne to name a few. Check out the children’s exhibitions as well, they’re a perfect way to make the gallery accessible for budding young artists. 

Kayak around the Louvre for something different - it’s a phenomenal way to see the architectural spectacle from a whole new angle - and take your time to sit beneath the dome and soak it all in when you visit. Grab an upmarket French meal at Fouquet’s, or catch an epic sunset at Art Lounge’s rooftop terrace - one of the best in the city. 

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teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi

A very cool member of the Saadiyat Island museum precinct, teamLab Phenomena Modern Art Museum is one you can’t skip. teamLab is an international art collective - you might’ve seen their experiences popping up across the globe in Tokyo, Jeddah, Beijing and Singapore, among others - with unique and wonder-inspiring exhibits at each location. Their ethos? Navigating the confluence of art, science, technology and the natural world, with fabulous results. Your mind and body will be thrilled by the colours, lights, and water exhibits - it’s super fun for all ages. It gets quite busy during peak hours - I’ve never seen school kids enjoying an excursion so much! - but several evenings a week are adults-only, so you can pick a time that suits your group’s vibe best. Top tip? Pop around to Anko Japanese Cafe & Patisserie after your teamLab visit - it’s not only super aesthetic, but the food is great too - and there’s a fab view across the water.

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Abrahamic Family House

Uniting three religions, Saadiyat Island’s Abrahamic Family House is a symbol of tolerance, home to a mosque, a church and a synagogue as well as a Forum for learning and to foster mutual understanding. Tickets are free for visitors, and you can join a free guided tour to enhance your experience - but you must book at least 24 hours in advance, you can’t just turn up. It’s a peaceful experience - the houses of worship resemble giant cubes with different shaped arches and columns, and it’s well worth a visit in the afternoon, as watching the grounds light up as evening falls is very pretty. Worshippers can visit according to prayer and service times, but only to access their place of worship. Be sure to check the guidelines and dress code before entering - all visitors must wear loose-fitting clothing that fully covers the body. Men can enter with t-shirts and shorts that cover the knees when seated, while women must be covered to their wrists and ankles. A head covering or scarf is required in order to visit some areas, so make sure you bring your own. 

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Manarat Al Saadiyat 

The oldest of the cultural spaces on Saadiyat Island, Manarat Al Saadiyat can fly a little under the radar - it’s home to an art and exhibition space, a massive studio (pop in for classes, or create some works of art at your own pace), school holiday programs and workshops for kids and Studio COE (a fabulous standalone pottery studio) - it’s been the host of roaming international exhibitions including the Harry Potter Experience and Bubble Planet, so is often a hive of activity. 

Check out Bassam Freiha Art Foundation while you’re there: it’s the only private art foundation in Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, free and open for everyone, focused on showcasing global and regional art collections - and you can even spot special pop-up exhibitions, like stunning Sotheby’s auction pieces and jewellery showcases. Grab a bite at Taparelle while you’re visiting - or make the trip specially. Recently added to the MICEHELIN List for 2026, it’s one of our favourite restaurants on Saadiyat Island, serving up excellent Mediterranean fare and some of the best woodfired pizza in Abu Dhabi against a lovely relaxed garden backdrop.

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Coming Soon to Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District: 

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The Natural History Museum

Opening November 22nd 2025

Joining the ranks of Saadiyat Cultural District’s star performers, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will house some of the rarest natural history specimens ever found on planet Earth. As well as a museum, the complex will further scientific research and be an educational resource for learning about the evolving story planet Earth. From the origins of the universe to a thought-provoking perspective into our Earth’s future, there are big things on the way: the museum’s collection will feature the world-famous ‘Stan’, a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and the Murchison Meteorite. We can’t wait! 

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Zayed National Museum

Opening December 3rd 2025

The museum’s design, inspired by the wing tips of a falcon, has already become iconic against the Saadiyat Island skyline - and Zayed National Museum hasn’t even opened yet! But the countdown is well and truly on - UAE’s National Day celebrations in December will see the grand unveiling. Artist interpretations suggest the inside will be as gorgeous as the exterior, in a complex dedicated to the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed and the history of the UAE.

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The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Opening 2026

Designed by Frank Gehry (of Prague’s Dancing House fame, or perhaps you’ve seen the Guggenheim Bilbao, or the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA - his work is iconic), the structure has transfixed Abu Dhabi residents and visitors alike as it has taken place over the past few years. We’re chomping at the bit to get inside, and if it’s anywhere near as popular - and well curated - as its Guggenheim siblings in New York and Bilbao, we’re in for a big treat in 2026.

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Mamsha al Saadiyat

All that culture will have worked up quite the appetite - so head to one of Abu Dhabi’s best dining precincts for lunch, dinner or a spritz by the sea! Mamsha Al Saadiyat has prime position on Mamsha Beach, a palm lined promenade separating the sand from a host of fab restaurants and cafes. Waterfront dining and some of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, what’s not to love!

Head to Niri for excellent Japanese, Antonia for relaxed Italian, Black Tap for burgers and epic shakes, Valgerand for Nordic cuisine, Raclette for some laidback French vibes… or stroll along the waterfront and pick and choose - you can’t really go wrong. Newcomer Blu Pizzeria is proving popular, or pop into TOTÓ - owned by Cristiano Renaldo and Rafael Nadal - for dinner with a little added starpower.  It’s lovely for a stroll along the promenade after dinner - and if you’re headed to Mamsha Beach for a beach day, you can order from your favourite restaurants direct to your sunbed! Now that’s a real treat. 

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5 Star Stays - Hotels That Leave You Feeling Like Royalty

Saadiyat Island is home to some of the best hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi. Luxe vibes, premium service, epic pools and beach access is a given at these top spots, and choosing a favourite is impossible. 

For your 5-star stay on Saadiyat Island, we’d recommend checking out Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Rixos Premium and Saadiyat Rotana. 

Along with premium lodgings, you’ll find an epic range of restaurants and bars to choose from - and for BB+ members, most will offer a cheeky discount. Find all the best offers here - visitors can even sign up for a tourist subscription to save across the city. 

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Saadiyat Island Sunsets

Abu Dhabi turns on a gorgeous sunset every day of the year - and Saadiyat is a great place to take it all in. 

Our top picks for the best sunset spots on Saadiyat Island? 

• Saadiyat Beach - soak up the last of the afternoon sun in your swimmers and watch the sky turn pink and orange as you do. 
• A sunset drink. Beach House at Park Hyatt, an outside table at Mamsha Al Saadiyat or Saadiyat Beach Club are all perfect places to sip on a spritz or your favourite beverage as the sun goes down. 
• Anko Japanese Cafe or the waterfront promenade in front of teamLab Phenomena and the Natural History Museum
• Art Lounge at Louvre Abu Dhabi - 10/10 views, vibes and DJ. 

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