For two years, Manarat al Saadiyat has welcomed members of the public to view an exhibition that tells the story of Saadiyat island. The Saadiyat Story documents the historical and cultural milestones, as well as the vision, of the island, through an interactive narrative of nine chapters. 

The Saadiyat Story has already received ‘Best AV Video Solution Award’ at the PALME Middle East Awards, the region’s only awards programme for the AV and entertainment industry.
 “Saadiyat island has captured the imaginations and interest of people from around the world, and our vision continues to be realised through the rapid progress of many projects already underway. The Saadiyat Story showcases this progress but also shares more of the island’s many stories with locals, residents and visitors,” said HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC.

The Saadiyat Story adopts the latest museum technologies and employs a variety of interactive mediums to engage with visitors; touch-screen catalogues to encourage independent learning, audio clips from architects for each of the museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District, films documenting key conservation methods and the vision and progress of Saadiyat island, and a ‘virtual book’ technology that has never before been deployed in the region. Its final chapter allows visitors to view a real-time video feed from the major construction sites on the island. 

The Saadiyat Story offers a rich educational experience for all visitors, especially for families looking for a fun, weekend activity. It also hosts regular excursions for school students to teach them about Abu Dhabi’s vision, and how Saadiyat fits into this bigger picture. Designed to offer a rich educational experience for all visitors irrespective of their age, culture or level of appreciation for arts and culture, Manarat Al Saadiyat is open to all visitors from 10am to 8pm seven days a week. Admission is free.