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Abu Dhabi is the capital of the emirate of the same name, largest of the seven emirates that compose the United Arab Emirates. It is located in the north central UAE. The city lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. While not as ostentatious or glitzy as Dubai, it oozes charm - look no further than those tranquil streets, golden beaches, luxurious hotels, fabulous shops and that special laid-back feeling.

Abu Dhabi is the fourth largest producer of oil in the world and is becoming one of the richest and most quickly developing cities worldwide with an estimated population of 1.45 million. Abu Dhabi city is located at 24.4667° N 54.3667° E. The emirate of Abu Dhabi is located in the oil-rich and strategic Persian Gulf region. It adjoins the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. The emirate borders the emirate of Dubai to its north.

Abu Dhabi city is on an island located less than a quarter-kilometer from the mainland and is joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Musaffah Bridges. Parts of Abu Dhabi were settled as far back as the 3rd millennium BC and its early history fits the nomadic herding and fishing pattern typical of the broader region. Modern Abu Dhabi traces its origins to the rise of an important tribal confederation the Bani Yas in the late 18th century, who also assumed control of Dubai.

In the 19th century the Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches parted ways. Into the mid-20th century, the economy of Abu Dhabi continued to be sustained mainly by camel herding, production of dates and vegetables at the inland oases of Al Ain and Liwa, and fishing and pearl diving off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, which was occupied mainly during the summer months. Most dwellings in Abu Dhabi city were, at this time constructed of palm fronds (barasti), with the wealthier families occupying mud huts. The growth of the cultured pearl industry in the first half of the twentieth century created hardship for residents of Abu Dhabi as pearls represented the largest export and main source of cash earnings.

In 1939, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan granted petroleum concessions, and oil was first found in 1958. At first, oil money had a marginal impact. A few lowrise concrete buildings were erected, and the first paved road was completed in 1961, but Sheikh Shakbut, uncertain whether the new oil royalties would last, took a cautious approach, preferring to save the revenue rather than investing it in development. His brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, saw that oil wealth had the potential to transform Abu Dhabi.

The ruling Al Nahayan family decided that Sheikh Zayed should replace his brother as ruler and carry out his vision of developing the country. On August 6, 1966, with the assistance of the British, Sheikh Zayed became the new ruler. With the announcement by the UK in 1968 that it would withdraw from the Gulf area by 1971, Sheikh Zayed became the main driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates. After the Emirates gained independence in 1971, oil wealth continued to flow to the area and traditional mud-brick huts were rapidly replaced with banks, boutiques and modern highrises.

Abu Dhabi city is a modern city with broad boulevards, tall office and apartment buildings, and busy shops. Principal thoroughfares are The Corniche, Airport Road, Sheikh Zayed Street, Hamdan Street and Khalifa Street. Many streets are known for specialized businesses that tend to cluster on them. Hamdan Street is the main shopping street, Khalifa Street is lined with banks, Al Najdha Street is known for hardware stores, Defense St is filled with mobile telephone shops and Sheikh Zayed St (Also known as Electra Street) is the computer street.

Abu Dhabi city is known in the region for its greenery; the former desert strip today includes numerous parks and gardens. Key buildings include the Qasr al-Hosn (a.k.a. Old Fort or White Fort), Clock Tower (now demolished due to construction of the new Corniche), headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and its many operating-company subsidiaries and the Cultural Foundation.

The Corniche, which was redeveloped in 2005, is now one of the best sea front parks in the Gulf. The current developments in Abu Dhabi, like its neighbour Dubai, reflect a number of architectural masterpieces by, among others, Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry. There is also the Emirates Palace which is reputed to be the most expensive hotel ever built, with a construction cost of over US billion.

The Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel, built and owned by the Abu Dhabi government. The hotel is currently managed by the Kempinski Group. Known as the most cultural city in the UAE, it plays host to year-round art exhibitions and musical performances from all over the globe and is currently developing the construction of the first branch of the Louvre museum outside Paris and the world’s largest Guggenheim museum.

GO THERE FOR

Shopping –A sales tax haven, Abu Dhabi encourages spending and it has the shops to cater to high-end retail enthusiasts. A shopping expedition in this Persian paradise is a tour of the world’s most respected designers from Paris, London, Milan, New York and Tokyo. As well as having the finest products available, there are enough shops here to provide variety to provide for any taste.

Luxury – Anointed by Fortune Magazine as the richest city in the world, Abu Dhabi provides multiple locations to pamper oneself and enjoy the luxury provided by this opulent city. An array of spas, beauty salons, beach resorts and health clubs along with fine dining and top end shopping ensure that a visit to this city will be as lavish as one could imagine.

Beach Clubs – A gorgeous coastline in the Persian Gulf tied with the almost permanent sunny temperature means only one thing, beach clubs. Some of the world’s most luxurious beach clubs in the world call Abu Dhabi home. Lounging by the pool, surveying the Gulf or enjoying the many sporting and relaxing facilities that many of these clubs offer there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Theme Parks – Abu Dhabi’s impressive commitment to building, expansion and building a reputation as a tourist resort has led to the building of many unique theme parks. Ferrari World is the world’s largest indoor theme park and a must for any car enthusiast. The park opens October 28 2010 and features the world’s fastest roller coaster. 

DON'T MISS

The Emirates Palace Hotel – This enormous and impressive building is a seven-star hotel and one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular landmarks. Even if you are not a resident in the hotel you can enjoy its fantastic surroundings. The hotel has a huge conference centre, stunning gardens, palm trees and fountains as well as a lavish interior décor made of marble, gold and Swarovski crystal.

The Gold – In Madinat Zayed Gold Souk you can find very reasonable prices for jewellery, just don’t forget to haggle as the locals will expect you to bargain with them on the original price.

Dhow Cruising – The best way to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Abu Dhabi. Dhows are traditional wooden sailing boats used for centuries by traders and merchants. The modern Dhows, although they keep their traditional design, offer tourists more modern amenities such as satellite navigation and bathrooms. 

GETTING AROUND

From the Airport

Around Town

Taxi – Taxis in the city centre are metered; they usually don’t have seat belts and sometimes don’t have air conditioning. Fares are very reasonable however, so this is a cost effective way of travelling. Taxis are being replaced by new vehicles and managed by one company.

Bus – The buses are cheap but the routes aren’t useful for tourists as they are aimed more for locals going to hospitals, schools and workplaces.  New buses were launched last year for tourists. They can reach different parts of the city. 

WHEN TO GO

Abu Dhabi’s climate is subtropical and sunshine can be expected all year around. From April to September it is very hot and humid with temperatures above 40 degrees and there also sandstorms during these months. From November to March it is cooler with dense fog sometimes. The best months to travel to Abu Dhabi are from October to May when temperatures are mild.

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