Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, is building a state-of-the-art visitor centre in the island’s Cultural District to enlighten visitors about Saadiyat’s exciting projects.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, which in Arabic translates to ‘lighthouse’, will be one of Saadiyat Island’s many fascinating components which will feature international exhibitions from around the world. The 15,400-sq-m centre will encompass four major galleries, an experience and sales centre, a 250-seat theatre and a restaurant.
Manarat Al Saadiyat will be home to The Saadiyat Story, an interactive narrative on the historical and cultural vision behind Saadiyat Island.
It will also comprise the Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery, a permanent 1,946-sq-m space dedicated to hosting series of exhibitions and educational programmes organised by TDIC.
Additionally, it will house the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Gallery and Louvre Abu Dhabi Gallery which will both showcase exhibitions related to these famed museums. Manarat Al Saadiyat will also feature the Central Events Gallery, a 660-sq-m multi-purpose space for hosting Manarat Al Saadiyat’s special events calendar.
“We commissioned construction of the project in February 2009, and we are proud to have been able to deliver on our promise eight months later by launching the inaugural phase of Manarat Al Saadiyat,” said Lee Tabler, TDIC’s CEO.
“Aimed at attracting and educating tourists and visitors from across the globe, there will be a series of artistic programmes showcasing talent on an international scale. The launch of Manarat Al Saadiyat is the first of many exciting groundbreakings and launches to come on Saadiyat Island in the near future,” explained Tabler.
The first phase of the development comprises of The Saadiyat Story and Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery which will be completed in the third week of November 2009; while the second phase, completed in April 2010, will include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi galleries, the theatre and the restaurant.