When preserving a natural habitat becomes the focus amid conceptualizing the built environment

Every year, Saadiyat Island’s nine-kilometer beach is a key nesting ground for the Hawksbill turtle, which has become critically endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching. Protecting this vulnerable species was a critical factor when Khatib & Alami (K&A) was appointed as the main consultant for the five-star Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas.

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) set in place stringent development guidelines to protect the natural habitat and its wildlife.
 

Designed to Support Sensitive Local Environment

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) set in place stringent development guidelines to protect the natural habitat and its wildlife.

This included working closely with a number of agencies to ensure their exacting standards were met throughout the construction process, including the Federal Environment Agency and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD). Special environmental training was provided to all site staff, and measures were taken not only to protect the environment, but to enhance it for the long term – this included the mangroves, beach and the dune protection zone.

Today, the area is alive with native wildlife and the future of the beach as a nesting ground for the hawksbill turtle is secured.

In addition to complying with TDIC’s guidelines and regulations, the project meets Estidama Pearl 2 building codes, including the incorporation of a wide variety of proven technologies such as solar panels, and a wastewater management system.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas is built on a plot of around 112,000 m2, of which
17, 000 m2 are protected beaches.

The property comprises 291 guestrooms and 36 suites, as well as 13 villas, each with a swimming pool and a terrace facing the sea. It also boasts a variety of food & beverage outlets, including the first Italian restaurant on Saadiyat Island, a ‘gastropub’, a rooftop grill restaurant, and pool and beach bars. The project will be one of the top attractions in Saadiyat Island with its lazy river, splash pool, cinema zone and water slide.