THE first phase of Manarat Al Saadiyat, a state-of-the-art visitor centre on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, will be completed in the third week of this month. The 15,400-sq-m centre is being built by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of Saadiyat Island, to enlighten visitors about Saadiyat’s outstanding projects.

It will also aim to unfold future plans for the island.
The first phase will showcase the Saadiyat story – an interactive narrative on the historical and cultural vision binding the island. It will also include Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery.
The second phase, which will include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi galleries, a theatre and the restaurant, will be completed in April next year.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, which means ‘lighthouse’ in Arabic, will be one of the many fascinating components of the island, featuring international exhibitions from around the world. This centre will encompass four major galleries, an experience and sales centre, a 250-seat theatre and a restaurant.
The centre’s 1,946-sq-m Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery will be a permanent facility that will host a series of exhibitions and educational programmes organised by the TDIC.