Saadiyat Island

Saadiyat is a natural island northeast of the city that has been developed as a cultural district: the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017 under Jean Nouvel's perforated dome, and further museums by Foster, Gehry and Ando are at various stages of construction alongside it, together with a university campus, hotels and housing. The seaward side keeps a long natural beach where hawksbill turtles nest, protected during the nesting season with marked areas and restrictions.

What you actually see

• The Louvre Abu Dhabi - Jean Nouvel's dome filtering light onto a museum village below.
• The turtle beach - a natural nesting beach for hawksbill turtles, protected in season.
• The cultural district - further museums under construction across the island.
• The public beach - a managed stretch of the natural sand with facilities.

When to go

October to April for the beach and outdoor walking. Turtle nesting runs through the spring and summer with access restrictions. Museums close on Mondays.

Honest expectations

Several of the promised museums have been under construction for many years and are not open. Beach access is largely through paid clubs or hotels. The island is spread out and needs a car.

Nearby

Abu Dhabi Corniche is southwest, and Yas Island is east.