Where is the best place to live in Saadiyat Island?

Mamsha Al Saadiyat in Saadiyat Cultural District is considered the best place to live on Saadiyat Island. It has a waterfront location, luxurious apartments and townhouses, and proximity to cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi. That is why residents who seek a vibrant community with easy access to amenities and attractions like it.

What does Saadiyat mean in Arabic?

The word "Saadiyat" in Arabic comes from the root word "sa'ada", which means "happiness" or "bliss." Therefore, Saadiyat Island means "Island of Happiness."

Is Saadiyat Island a good place to live?

Yes, Saadiyat Island is a great place to live, particularly if you want a luxurious, culturally rich environment with pristine beaches and high-end residential options. However, due to its upscale nature, the cost of living is also high.

Is buying a property in Saadiyat Island a good investment?

According to several real estate experts, buying a property on Saadiyat Island is a good investment due to its high potential for return on investment (between 5% and 7%), strong demand from tourists and residents, and the development of luxury properties and cultural attractions on the island.

Saadiyat Island Area Guide – Living, Renting & Investing

Everything you need to know about living, buying and renting in Saadiyat Island.

SAADIYAT ISLAND IN BRIEF

Saadiyat Island is the cultural hub of the UAE and home to several renowned museums and art galleries, including the Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. These cultural hubs have put Saadiyat Island on the global map and attract tourists, investors, and residents. The island is also referred to as the "Island of Happiness" and hosts elite resorts, like St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.

One of the biggest advantages of Saadiyat Island is its proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is just a 25-minute drive away. It is a major add-on for frequent travellers or expats who need easy access to global connections.

Aldar Properties, one of the leading real estate developers in the UAE, has played a significant role in shaping Saadiyat Island. Their projects, such as Saadiyat Beach Residences and Mamsha Al Saadiyat, have set new standards for luxury living.

COMMUNITY OVERVIEW

Located just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, this island is a master-planned community that blends high-end living with art, culture, and sustainability. It covers an area of about 27 sq. km. Sheikh Khalifa Bridge connects the development to the main city.

Safety and quality of life are top priorities here. The island has wide sidewalks, cycling paths, and well-lit streets. The abundance of green spaces, playgrounds, and pet-friendly zones attracts families. The community is also culturally vibrant, thanks to its proximity to world-class museums and art galleries.

Saadiyat Island attracts locals and expats, especially high-net-worth individuals. The island's residents enjoy a high standard of living, with access to premium amenities, top-tier schools, and healthcare facilities, which we will discuss later in the blog. It is a place where you can enjoy the finer things in life while still feeling connected to nature and culture.

PROPERTIES IN SAADIYAT ISLAND

Saadiyat Isand has seven districts: Saadiyat Reserve, Saadiyat Beach, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Marina District, Saadiyat Retreat, Saadiyat Lagoons and Saadiyat Promenade. As one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island offers a mix of upscale villas, townhouses and apartments. Although it is mostly known as a villa community, there are also several low-rise apartment buildings that are more suited for young couples and families.

Apartments in Saadiyat Island range from studios up to 5 bedrooms and 550 sq. ft. to 5,328 sq. ft. in size. Villas are available in 3-bedroom units to 7-bedrooms ranging from 5,500 sq. ft. to 11,000 sq. ft. Properties in Saadiyat Island have floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan layouts, and smart home features that make everyday living seamless. Many properties also have private balconies or terraces that offer amazing views of the Arabian Gulf or the island's greenery.

OFFPLAN PROPERTIES IN SAADIYAT ISLAND

Off-plan properties are a popular choice for investors and end-users in Saadiyat Island. These properties are sold at lower prices compared to ready-to-move-in units. One of the biggest advantages of buying off-plan is the developers' flexible payment plans. You can secure a property with a small down payment and pay the rest in instalments throughout construction. Off-plan properties allow you to spread out your investment and potentially benefit from capital appreciation as the project nears completion.

Saadiyat Lagoons by Aldar Properties offers 4, 5 & 6 bedroom villas ranging from 5,002 sq. ft. to 6,365 sq. ft. It is a pet-friendly waterfront development with cycling tracks, play areas for children, and tennis and basketball courts. The villas have maid rooms, balconies, private gardens and central AC/Heating systems. Its handover date is Q! 2027.

The Source by Aldar Properties offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments ranging from 1,054 sq. ft. to 2,125 sq. ft. Residents of The Source have access to spa facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centres, meditation rooms, pools, thermal suites, saunas, squash courts, and an exclusive residents' lounge. The anticipated handover date is Q3 2026.

Manarat Living is another apartment building offering luxury design studios and 1 and 2-bedroom apartments from 355 sq. ft. to 1,442 sq. ft. Residents here experience the island lifestyle with promenade and beach access. The project completion date is Q1 2026.

Solea by Taraf features four seven-story buildings with modern design and high-quality finishes. These buildings offer 1 to 4-bedroom apartments ranging from 735 sq. ft. to 3,039 sq. ft. Apartments in Solea offer high-quality flooring, smart home technology, and energy-efficient appliances for an ultimate living experience. The expected handover date is January 2028.

HOW MUCH IS IT TO RENT A PROPERTY IN SAADIYAT ISLAND?

Rental prices vary depending on property type, size, and location. Below is a summary of average rental prices:

Property Type	Average Annual Rent (AED)
Studio	57,000
1-Bedroom Apartment	100,000
2-Bedroom Apartment	160,000
3+ Bedroom Apartments	250,000 - 650,000
3-Bedroom Villa	390,000
4-Bedroom Villa	470,000
5+ Bedroom Villas	680,000 – 1,650,000

HOW MUCH IS IT TO BUY A PROPERTY IN SAADIYAT ISLAND?

Location, views, and proximity to amenities play a big role in determining property prices. For instance, beachfront villas in Saadiyat Beach Residences can cost AED 10,000,000, while apartments in Mamsha Al Saadiyat are slightly more affordable. Below are average sale prices:

Property Type	Average Sale Price (AED)
Studio	1,000,000
1-Bedroom Apartment	1,665,000
2-Bedroom Apartment	2,720,500
3+ Bedroom Apartments	7,650,000 - 10,500,000
3-Bedroom Villa	7,900,000
4-Bedroom Villa	8,77,000
5+ Bedroom Villas	9,500,000 - 55,000,000

IS SAADIYAT ISLAND PROPERTY A GOOD INVESTMENT?

Saadiyat Island is one of Dubai's most attractive real estate markets. Its prime location, luxury appeal, and strong demand play an important part in its popularity. The island's cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, and world-class amenities make it even more attractive for high-net-worth individuals and tourists.

In the third quarter of 2023, Saadiyat Island had the highest annual capital gains in Abu Dhabi. Villa prices rose by 10.3%, and apartments rose by 4.7%. In 2024, property prices on Saadiyat Island increased by 12%. The increase in property prices is a result of:

High demand for luxury properties
Proximity to cultural landmarks and beaches
Ongoing infrastructure development and new commercial hubs
Limited land availability, increasing long-term value

These factors make Saadiyat Island an ideal option for short-term and long-term investors.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE ROI FOR SAADIYAT ISLAND PROPERTY?

The average ROI for properties in Saadiyat Island ranges from 5% to 7%, depending on the type of property and its location. For example, apartments in Mamsha Al Saadiyat offer an ROI of around 6%, while villas in Saadiyat Beach Residences can yield up to 7%. ROI on average is stated below:

Property Type	ROI
Studio	4.20%
1-Bedroom Apartment	4,15%
2-Bedroom Apartment	4.05%
3+ Bedroom Apartments	3.6% - 7.5%
3-Bedroom Villa	5.01%
4-Bedroom Villa	5.9%
5+ Bedroom Villas	6.68%

MOST POPULAR AREAS IN SAADIYAT ISLAND

SAADIYAT CULTURAL DISTRICT

Saadiyat Cultural District offers apartments with beautiful interiors and creative designs. Louvre Abu Dhabi and many picturesque parks and beaches are in the district. Properties in Saadiyat Cultural District range in size from 951 sq. ft. to 9,764 sq. ft. The average sales price for a 1-bedroom apartment in the Saadiyat Cultural District is AED 2,300,00, whereas 2 and 3-bedroom apartments are AED 4,100,000 and AED 9,950,000.

SAADIYAT BEACH

Saadiyat Beach is a great place to buy property, especially if you want views of one of the best beaches in Abu Dhabi. Apartments and villas in this area are popular due to their beautiful water views and luxurious amenities. Prices can be quite high, with studios and 1-bedroom apartments costing around AED 1,350,000 and AED 2,125,000, respectively. A 2-bedroom apartment here usually sells for around AED 3,250,000, while 3-bedroom units can go up to AED 6,200,000. Villas here come in 3 to 7-bedroom units ranging from 4,074 sq. ft. to 9,538 sq. ft. A 3-bedroom villa in Saadiyat Beach costs around AED 7,570,000. 4 and 5-bedroom villas may cost around AED 8,560,000 and AED 10,500,000.

HIDD Al SAADIYAT

HIDD Al Saadiyat is highly popular among buyers and investors. The villas in HIDD Al Saadiyat come in sizes ranging from 3 to 7 bedrooms, with 4,450 sq. ft. and 22,098 sq. ft. layout. These two-storey villas offer living rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, en-suite bedrooms, and balconies. Some villas also have private gardens, pools, parking, and even a basement with rooms. In the Qaryat Al Hidd area, part of Hidd Al Saadiyat, you'll find over 900 luxury apartments across 12 buildings. These buildings are divided into two sections, Sunrise and Sunset, and offer 1 to 4-bedroom apartments. The price for Villas for sale in Hidd Al Saadiyat starts from AED 550,000 and goes up to AED 1,860,000.

JAWAHER AL SAADIYAT

Jawaher Saadiyat offers 4, 5, and 6-bedroom villas and townhouses ranging from 4,972 sq. ft. to 13,649 sq. ft. The villas have master bedrooms with attached bathrooms and balconies, a powder room, a maid's room with a bathroom, a store room, a laundry area, a guest room with a bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a dining area, a parking garage, and a garden. Villas for sale in Jawaher Al Saadiyat cost between AED 10,450,000 and AED 36,600,000.

SCHOOLS & NURSERIES

Saadiyat Island is home to some of the region's best international schools and nurseries. The nurseries within the area are Odyssey Nursery, Redwood Montessori Nursery and Bright Beginnings Nursery. Cranleigh Abu Dhabi offers world-class education for younger children and is just a short drive (10 minutes) away. New York University also has a campus in Saadiyat Island.

HEALTHCARE

HealthPlus Family Clinic and Tamara Polyclinics in Saadiyat Island serve the area's residents. They can visit these healthcare facilities for routine checkups. Pharmacies are available throughout the development, but there are no hospitals yet. LLH Hospital, Burjeel Hospital and Sheikh Khalifa Medical City are the hospitals near Saadiyat Island within a 20-minute drive.

OUTDOOR SPACES & PARKS

Saadiyat Island Public Beach is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Residents and visitors can sunbathe, swim, or indulge in water sports. The beach is well-maintained, with clean sand and clear waters. The development has jogging and cycling tracks that wind through greenery and offer stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. These tracks are well-lit and safe.

Families can go to playgrounds and picnic areas scattered across the island. These spaces feature safe equipment and plenty of shade. There are also pet-friendly zones where you can take your pet for a walk or a run.

If you are a golf enthusiast, Saadiyat Island is home to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Gary Player. The course offers sea views and is a must-visit for amateur and professional golfers.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Having a car makes it easier to get around Saadiyat Island and the rest of the city. Public buses also connect the area to other parts of Abu Dhabi. Key bus routes include 120, 121, 125, 127, 170, and 187, with stops at places like Saadiyat New York University, Saadiyat Rotana Hotel, and Saadiyat Beach Club. Taxis are available in the area due to the presence of high-end hotels. Most residential buildings have dedicated parking spaces, while commercial areas have ample parking.

SHOPPING, DINING & LIFESTYLE

There are no large malls on the island. Boutique stores and high-end retail outlets are in development and offer everything from fashion and accessories to home decor. For a more extensive shopping experience, you can head to the nearest Yas Mall.

Saadiyat Island offers a variety of dining options for every taste. For a luxurious experience, you can visit places like St. Regis or Saadiyat Beach Club for fine dining by the sea. The island has also become a nightlife spot with the opening of Buddha-Bar Beach. For a more casual vibe, Starbucks is a popular choice. Other great restaurants include NIRI Restaurant and Bar for Japanese food. Black Tap offers steaks with a view of Saadiyat Beach. Restaurant Louvre Abu Dhabi is perfect for a meal after exploring the museum.

SAADIYAT ISLAND LANDMARKS

Starting with the island's purpose-built visitor centre - Manarat Al Saadiyat – a popular venue for various art fairs and a permanently open-to-the-public exhibition: 'The Saadiyat Story', introducing visitors to the island's history and cultural vision. Manarat Al Saadiyat can be translated as a place of enlightenment, the perfect name for this centre.

Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is the latest cultural landmark, built with an international partnership for cultural exchange, combining the UAE's vision of cultural growth with France's expertise in art and museums. This outstanding architectural masterpiece represents the region's vibrant multicultural heritage.

Another addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District will be Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum of modern and contemporary art showcasing the most important international artistic achievements of the 20th and 21st centuries.