Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) has unveiled the first stage of the Saadiyat Island scheme, with the opening of a major new visitor centre and golf club.

The 15,400sq m (165,764sq ft) Manarat Al Saadiyat visitor centre, which was unveiled in late 2009, includes four galleries to host exhibitions from around the world, an experience and sales centre and a 660sq m (7,104sq ft) events space.

A 1,874sq m (20,172 sq ft) interactive exhibition dedicated to the history of the 27sq km (10.4sq mile) island development - The Saadiyat Story - and the Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery are also housed within Manarat Al Saadiyat.

In addition to the Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery, a 1,946sq m (20,947sq m) exhibition space, the visitor centre is set to include Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Gallery and Louvre Abu Dhabi Gallery collections as part of the second phase of the scheme.

Scheduled to open in April, the two galleries will feature an exploration of the future Guggenheim and Louvre attractions due to open on Saadiyat Island by 2013. A 250-seat theatre is also set to open as part of the second stage.

Meanwhile, the 18-hole Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has marked its opening by hosting the Saadiyat Beach Classic tournament. Designed by Gary Player, the 72-par course is the first ocean-front facility on the Arabian Gulf.

TDIC's chief executive officer,Lee Tabler, said: "The openings of Manarat Al Saadiyat and the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club highlight a number of major achievements in the progress of Saadiyat Island to become one of the world's leading tourism destinations."

Due to open in phases by 2018, the Saadiyat Island development will boast a 1,000-berth marina, five-star hotels, two championship golf courses, civic and leisure facilities when complete.

Image: Artist's impression of Saadiyat Island's new Guggenheim Museum