Saadiyat Island: buy & sell apartments and villas

Saadiyat Island, located some 500 metres off the coast ofAbu Dhabi, is an iconic district that perfectly embodies the futuristic and cultural vision of the United Arab Emirates. Covering an area of 27 square kilometers, this ambitious project is designed to be a leading cultural, educational and tourist center. World-renowned institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum attract visitors from all over the world. The Dubai Immo teams invite you to discover this residential district in this comprehensive guide.

Saadiyat Island: presentation of the area

Discover Saadiyat Island, a district located in Abu Dhabi. An emblematic symbol of the Emirates' desire to "elevate", it is both one of the capital's cultural and residential hotspots. In addition to magnificent museums, you'll find luxury residential complexes, magnificent hotels, beaches and golf courses.

The atmosphere of Saadiyat Island

Where is Saadiyat Island?

Saadiyat Island lies around 500 metres off the Abu Dhabi coast. It's a small island district, very easy to access. Bridges link the island to the mainland. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the Corniche and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and around 20 minutes to reach the city center.

General description

Saadiyat Island is a dynamic neighborhood, full of life! There's so much to do here. Tourists and residents alike seem to appreciate the many options: sport (golf), culture (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum), relaxation (beach, promenade)... You'll love the mix of possibilities!

Population and diversity

Expatriates live on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Mostly working people and families settle here to take advantage of the residences and their apartments, as well as the facilities and the mix of modernity, culture and nature, to enjoy a lifestyle they couldn't find anywhere else. Although the area is very lively, it remains calm and pleasant. For larger families, houses or townhouses, whether in Saadiyat or elsewhere in the Emirate, are preferable, particularly for reasons of space.

 

The real estate market on Saadiyat Island

What are the prices of apartments in Saadiyat Island?

Several factors come into play when determining the value of a property, whether it's a studio or a larger apartment in the Saadiyat Island district of Abu Dhabi (more on this later).

 

To give you a better idea of the prices that are generally offered by local developers and real estate agents, here are the average amounts of property offered for sale in this area:

 

• A one-bedroom apartment can cost between 2 and 4 million AED.
• A two-bedroom apartment can cost between 3 and 6 million AED.
• An apartment with three or more bedrooms can easily exceed AED 5 million, with prices going up to AED 10 million or more for luxury units.

Factors influencing prices

Many factors come into play when determining the value of a property. The size of the apartment (studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom), its precise location on the island, access to amenities and the prestige of the residence (whether it's a new, recently built development with numerous services or not) all need to be considered. This is why, on the market, you can sometimes find properties with similar characteristics (particularly in terms of surface area or number of rooms), at very different prices.

Rent on Saadiyat Island

Are you thinking of investing in a property in Abu Dhabi, particularly in the Saadiyat Island district, with a view to renting it out? Here are the average rents that are generally offered on the market in this particular location:

 

• A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for between 80,000 and 120,000 UAE dirhams (AED) a year.
• A two-bedroom apartment can cost between AED 120,000 and 180,000 a year.
• An apartment with three or more bedrooms can easily exceed AED 180,000 a year, with prices going up to AED 300,000 or more for luxury units.

 

Daily life on Saadiyat Island

Lunch/Dinner/Drinks on Saadiyat Island

What about places to go to enjoy life's pleasures? Restaurants, cafés, bars and other nightlife venues... Here you'll find a selection of some of the best places to eat well and have fun, whether with friends or family!

The best restaurants

Saadiyat Island is home to a large number of excellent restaurants. Here are just a few of the best-known addresses, where you'll be able to discover a wide variety of cuisine with particularly rich origins!

 

Here are some of the best restaurants in the area (or nearby):

 

• Sontaya: Located at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, this restaurant offers a magical ambience with its floating pavilions and views of the Persian Gulf. Perfect for a refined Asian culinary experience.
• Mazi: This Greek restaurant, also at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, offers traditional dishes with a modern twist. Its elegant setting and innovative menu make it an unmissable choice.
• NIRI Restaurant & Bar: An award-winning Japanese restaurant located in Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Known for its authentic Japanese dishes and spectacular views, it's a great place for a memorable evening.

Cafés and places to relax

When it comes to cafés, there's no shortage of options. In fact, you can turn to a wide range of establishments for a midday or afternoon drink with friends and family. There are a number of popular establishments, such as D 10 Café and Café Artea. You can also opt for The Café or Coffee Architecture, which specializes in selling and making coffees from "exotic" places that you're not used to drinking.

Bars and nightlife

In the evening or at the weekend, why not go for a drink to unwind after a long day? Art Lounge, Beach House, Buddha-Bar Beach and Hamilton\'s Gastropub are just some of the establishments we recommend. For a quality cocktail, the Manhattan Lounge is an excellent option, as it's particularly well located at the very top of the St. Regis!

Shopping on Saadiyat Island

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Spinneys, Waitrose and Carrefour are just some of the major supermarket chains operating on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island. On site, you'll find absolutely every type of product you could possibly need on a daily basis, whether it's foodstuffs, hygiene products or anything else. Other small local grocery stores are also open, and you'll easily find them on almost every street corner.

Boutiques and specialty stores

For boutiques and specialty stores, a great option is The Collection. This shopping center features 26 boutiques, restaurants and upscale cafés. You'll also find the region's only interactive medical and wellness center. Whether it's clothing, sports, culture or cosmetics, you'll have access to absolutely everything you could possibly need.

Sport and activities on Saadiyat Island

In the Emirates, sport and well-being in general play an important role in the daily lives of locals and expatriates alike. On Saadiyat Island, as elsewhere in Abu Dhabi, you'll find a number of dedicated spaces.

Sports centers and gymnasiums

Several gyms are open on Saadiyat Island, some even 24 hours a day! Take GYM, for example. As for the rest, the St. Regis has its own gym. You can also go to Fit Ground, F45 Training and The Sandbox CrossFit Club. These are particularly well-equipped complexes where you'll find all the machines you need to take care of yourself, as well as classes run by renowned sports coaches.

Parks and green spaces

The Emirates, wishing to establish themselves as a true haven of peace, have indeed thought out and worked on the nature part of their districts. And Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is no exception. The beach is the perfect first example. You can also visit Saadiyat Lagoons or Soul Beach. These are great places to take a stroll and enjoy a bit of nature, which can sometimes do a world of good!

Leisure activities

Saadiyat Island is home to several adventure parks for children, including Saadiyat Lagoons and Aladdin's Cave. For adults, a trip to the beach offers a wide range of activities including snorkeling, fishing, jet-skiing and many others with a direct link to the sea. For those who prefer to relax, the beaches offer shaded areas with sun loungers, so you can enjoy a pleasant moment of relaxation!

 

Health

Hospitals and clinics

Several hospitals and clinics have opened in and around Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island. These include the HealthPlus Family Clinic (specializing in pediatrics, classical internal medicine, gynecology and dentistry). For more serious cases requiring rapid intervention by doctors, you can go to the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, located on Al Maryah Island. These establishments are highly rated and have all the equipment you need to be accompanied.

Pharmacies and medical services

To buy your medicines and keep up with your treatments, visit one of the many pharmacies on Saadiyat Island. You can visit Al Manara Pharmacy, Health First Pharmacy, LIFE Pharmacy or DOCIB Pharmacy, all of which are particularly well-stocked, with all the medicines you could possibly need, and personalized assistance from English-speaking staff who will listen to you and advise you on all your needs.

Public transport on Saadiyat Island

Bus and metro lines

There is no metro in Abu Dhabi. However, it is possible to take the bus. The district is served by line 94. Another option is to take a cab. However, it is preferable to have your own vehicle to move around freely, even if everything is easily accessible on site.

Accessibility and frequency

In Abu Dhabi, the bus runs once every 10 to 15 minutes in both directions, all day long. During rush hour, waiting times may be shorter (5 to 10 minutes, for example). For the rest, the bus is a popular means of transport for residents. Clean, on time and fairly inexpensive, it's an excellent way to get around!

Schools in Saadiyat Island

Primary and secondary schools

Several French schools have opened in Abu Dhabi. The first is the Lycée Français Théodore Monod. You can also contact the International French School (EFI). Both are located in the Al Bateen district. A final option is to contact the administration of the Lycée Louis Massignon, the third and last French school in Abu Dhabi.

Other things to consider at Saadiyat Island

Safety and quality of life

Crime rates

Abu Dhabi has an extremely low crime rate. It's one of the safest cities in the world. While there's no such thing as zero risk (anywhere, for that matter), you should feel perfectly safe. The police are everywhere in town, have a perfect command of English and will be happy to accompany you. Penalties are generally heavy and therefore dissuasive.

Security services

In the event of a problem, there are several emergency numbers to call. Naturally, the one you call will depend on your situation. Here's who to contact in case of need:

• Font: 999
• Ambulance: 998
• Firefighters: 997

Environment and sustainability on Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi aims to establish itself as one of the world's greenest investment destinations. On Saadiyat Island, a number of projects have been launched to ensure the construction and development of eco-responsible residences and apartments that respect nature and available resources. Ultimately, the Emirate aims to establish itself as the leader in this field. Enough to attract thousands of investors?