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Saadiyat Island is one of many beautiful locales in Abu Dhabi worth visiting. Learn seven reasons our experts say make it worth your time.

In 2016 alone, over 4.5 million tourists visited the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. According to the UAE tourism sector, this was an eight percent increase from the previous year.

Saadiyat Island— a picturesque natural island just off Abu Dhabi— is bound to make tourism an even bigger industry for the city. The Island is a growing hub for tourists and locals alike, with a wealth of museum and cultural attractions.

For real estate investors, the island also presents an incredible opportunity to invest in UAE property. That's why we want to tell you about the top reasons tourists are and will continue to flock to Saadiyat Island.

Have you been searching for the ideal locale for your next big real estate project? You've found it, so keep reading to find out why we think Saadiyat Island is the next big thing in tourist locations. 

1. Saadiyat Island is the Island of Happiness

In Arabic, the word "Saadiyat" means happiness, meaning Saadiyat Island directly translates to "Island of Happiness." The natural island was so-named because of its incredibly beautiful and diverse natural wildlife. 

Mangroves, dolphins, and turtles abound in the tranquil blue waters just off of the island's protected sand dunes. You may even get the chance to see baby turtles if you visit the island during turtle nesting season!

2. Saadiyat Island is Abu Dhabi's Cultural Center

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It's also the second-largest city in the UAE, following just behind the world-famous Dubai. 

A few years ago, the Abu Dhabi government decided to transform Saadiyat Island into a tourism center. The island is divided into seven main cultural centers. These districts are home to more than eight museums showcasing artifacts from Abu Dhabi's extensive history and rich culture.

3. NYU Abu Dhabi

New York University's Abu Dhabi campus is located on Saadiyat Island. It's one of only three NYU portal campuses around the world, attracting thousands of students and their families to the island each year.

The incoming class of 2023 is the campus' largest yet. The majority of students are UAE natives (14%) and American students (12%). NYU Abu Dhabi also attracts students from South Korea, China, Pakistan, India, and Egypt.

NYU Abu Dhabi is already world-renowned for its exclusivity. With student applications increasing each year, the university is on track to be one of Saadiyat Island's greatest visitor attractions. 

4. Saadiyat Island's Top Three Museums

Saadiyat Island's cultural district is also home to three of the world's most renowned museums:

1. The Louvre Abu Dhabi
2. Zayed National Museum
3. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

The fact that France extended an invite for Abu Dhabi to erect its own Louvre is a historical first. The Louvre Abu Dhabi has been up and running since 2017, and tourists can't miss out.

Unlike the Louvre, Zayed National Museum is 100 percent UAE-inspired. This museum features educational, historical, and religious artifacts from Abu Dhabi. Tourists can't miss out on this unique experience to understand how Abu Dhabi became the cultural epicenter it is today.

Though the Guggenheim museum isn't fully completed, we can't help but mention it. After all, only New York City; Venice, Italy; and Bilbao, Spain are the only other Guggenheim locations. 

If Saadiyat Island's beauty alone isn't enough to attract tourists, the European experience offered by these three museums certainly will.

5. Saadiyat Island's Five-Star Hotels

For tourists who prefer to travel in luxury, Saadiyat Island has multiple accommodations. For instance, the Jumeirah and the Rixos Premium Hotels are world-renowned for their unparalleled service.

The Jumeirah is a modern monolith erected mere feet from Saadiyat Island's white-sand beaches. The resort was built with sustainability in mind. With its incomparable views of the ocean, it's no wonder so many tourists flock to the Jumeirah every year.

The Rixos Premium is for the more traditional tourist. Situated in the midst of its own golf course, this hotel has something for every taste. From private butler service to private pools, the Rixos Premium is the all-inclusive resort stressed-out tourists lust after.

6. The Saadiyat Beach Club

Even if tourists don't want to stay in one of the Island's luxury hotels, they can get the full celebrity experience at the Saadiyat Beach Club. The club features multiple private cabanas, a spa, and beachside dining experiences.

This is also the location of an entire stretch of beach that's been protected by Blue Flag since 2013. For tourists who prefer to sit poolside, the club also offers a world-famous infinity pool with a nearby lounge bar and dance floor.

7. Saadiyat Island is an Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Project

The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has plans to turn Saadiyat Island into the city's main cultural center. To do that, they plan to offer development deals to private investors. This is in the hopes of encouraging a highly diverse economy in Abu Dhabi.

ADTA also wants to invite private investors to help continue growing and developing the Island's tourism. With ADTA's help, Saadiyat Island is and will continue to be a major hot spot for global tourism. 

Tourists are Coming to Saadiyat Island: Get a Piece of the Pie

Saadiyat Island is becoming one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. From luxury hotels to the world's most beautiful beach conservation project, Saadiyat Island really does have it all. It's no wonder this place was named the Island of Happiness.

The incredible tourist attractions and natural wonders of Saadiyat are attracting tourists left and right.

Are you a real estate investor who wants to get a share of this growing market? Discover the properties we have for sale in Saadiyat and don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity.