Understand
;Population : 928,360
;Ruler : H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Abu Dhabi is headquarters to a number of oil operating companies and embassies are based here. The architecture of its modern buildings and sky scrapers is the finest in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi's oil wealth has been wisely utilized to encourage a healthy trade and commerce atmosphere apart from oil industries too. The promotion of tourism and various tourism related projects may soon elevate Abu Dhabi to a Singaporean status in the region. Large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, state-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience all the year round.
Abu Dhabi Emirate
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates and the Federal capital of the UAE. It occupies an area of 26,000 square miles. Its long coastline - the shallow waters of the Southern Gulf, extending from the base of the Qatar Peninsula in the west to the border of the emirate of Dubai on the north east, was once the world's best waters for pearling. When the pearling industry declined, oil discovery in the offshore oilfields of the Southern Gulf revived the economy of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi was also the first emirate to export oil from the Umm Shaif offshore field in 1962. On the land, it stretches south to the oases of Liwa where some of the world’s largest sand dunes can be found , and east to the ancient oasis of Al Ain. This makes Abu Dhabi the largest as well as the most populated of all the emirates.
Today over 120 million trees have been planted in the emirate of Abu Dhabi alone.
Get in
Arriving visitors will likely have little trouble making it through Customs. Most officers will ask for a passport, any appropriate travel documents, and the nature of your trip. Be careful not to have passport stamps from Israel in your passport or you will not be allowed in. Picking up luggage is also quite easy, although be forewarned that airport personnel may remove a flight's bags from the carousel and stack them in a pile next to it, as the airport has few baggage carousels.
Get around
The best way to get around if you haven't rented a car is by getting a taxi. If you're staying at a hotel, there are normally some which wait outside in the parking lot. You are not expected to tip cab drivers, but gratuity will be VERY appreciated.
Many taxi drivers are displaced persons, far from their home countries and families, so don't be surprised if they take out pictures of family members for you to comment on.
Abu Dhabi does not currently have a usable system of public transportation, but it is almost unnecessary, as taxis are very cheap- about $1.50 US will get you from one end of the city to another- and rental cars are very reasonable. However, unless they are a very aggressive driver or accustomed to reckless road behaviour, most visitors find the Emirati style of driving far too dangerous to be willing to get behind the wheel themselves. Those who do should be aware that any traffic accidents between a tourist/visitor in a rented car and a driver who is a resident of Abu Dhabi, will be considered the fault of the visitor without question, regardless of whose fault it really is. Tests for alcohol can also be administered, and even the blood-alcohol level rise of a glass of wine will be ground for one month's incarceration.
See
Abu Dhabi has several large green spaces, many of which include play areas and equipment for children. The city is studded with lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and the occasional sculpture.
Abu Dhabi sits on the Persian Gulf, and on most days it is possible to observe boats of all sorts going about their business. This part of the Gulf is also home to a set of man-made islands called the Lulu Islands, part of a tourism venture that is currently still in development.
Do
Abu Dhabi offers little in the way of historical or cultural sights, but there are several unique stops that no visitor should miss.
Buy
Abu Dhabi is a compulsive shopper's dream. There are several malls, most of which have the same stores as other malls. Besides establishments aimed at locals, malls also include popular English, American, and Canadian chain stores, as well as designer places. Many visitors will be surprised at the female fashion dichotomy- while local custom calls for women to be covered in public, most stores sell short skirts and halter tops alongside the more sedate floor-length skirts and high-necked shirts.
There are also millions of small, independent stores around the city. On the bottom floor of one building, a person can purchase fancy chocolates, computer parts, antiques, and clothing. It is better to purchase things like carpets, art, native jewelry, and antiques at the independent or souk-like places than at the malls, as the price will be lower and the shopkeepers more willing to haggle.
Bargaining is a big part of shopping in the Emirates, but be prudent. Don't bargain at Marks and Spencer or Hang Ten. Save your dicounting skills for independent shops dealing in antiques and the like.
Shopping in most places can be frustrating, as the clerks will follow you around the store. This is partly due to their concept of what constitutes good service, and partly because there is a shoplifting problem. Most will not be intrusive, but some employees can be very pushy and overly obsequious. Smile and thank them often, and you're more likely to be left alone after a bit.
In carpet stores- or anywhere that sells tapestries, Indian antiques, and the like- don't feel too pressured to buy, and don't be shocked if they start unrolling beautiful rug after beautiful rug at your feet. You are under no obligation to buy, no matter how much time they spend with you. However, the pressure will be very steady, and shyer shoppers may want to travel in packs for comfort's sake.
Grocery stores such as Spinney's, Carrefours, and the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society are inexpensive and usually stocked with Western goods. Be careful to examine all produce before purchasing. Visitors wishing to purchase pork products will likely have to enter a separate room to do so, as no nationals are permitted in these sections of the grocery stores.
Prices in Abu Dhabi tend to be very competitive, and there is no tax.
Eat
Abu Dhabi is host to a wide range of palates and ethnicities when it comes to cuisine. Lebanese/Arabic food is usually cheapest; hotel restaurants usually the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's and Hardees, but there is little call for most people to eat at those places. Some of the best and cheapest food in the city can be found at its many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low, and quality excellent. Some foreign residents complained of a lack of good Chinese food, but several Chinese restaurants have been openned in recent years and serve authentic and contemparary Chinese food.
The fun thing about Abu Dhabi is that everywhere, literally from tiny falafel shacks to the cushy hotel restaurants to Burger King- delivers to anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable, and usually doesn't cost extra.
Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Abu Dhabi a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer.
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Only restaurants located in hotels are allowed to serve alcohol. Therefore, all nightlife is associated with hotels. The drinking age is either 19 or 21, depending on who you ask, but most places do not card customers. Unlike many other Middle Eastern nations, the bars in Abu Dhabi will be able to accommodate most drink orders.
Drinking in hotels is one thing. Buying alcohol to take home is another. You must purchase a permit to buy alcohol for private storage, and penalties for violating this rule are severe. Visitors will most likely not be able to do so.
Sleep
None are particularly cheap, but all are well-tended and usually host to a nice restaurant, pool, and other high-end hotel facilities.
Get out
The Beautiful and peaceful Iranian Kish Island is near by.
Abu Dhabi (أبو ظبي , literally "Father of Gazelle") is the capital of the emirate of the same name, largest of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates and is also the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is said by some to be the richest city in the world and 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. An estimated 1.8 million people lived there in 2006, with about an 80% expatriate population. Abu Dhabi city is located at . At the head of Abu Dhabi and across from the Corniche is Lulu Island, a semi-natural landmass that is arguably the most strategic and valuable piece of property in the Emirate.
History
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 Oasis, 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.
Location
The emirate of Abu Dhabi is located in the oil-rich and strategic United Arab Emirates and is an active member of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). It borders with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (south) and the Sultanate of Oman (east). The emirate borders the emirate of Dubai to its northeast. In the north is the Persian Gulf.
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. A third bridge, designed by Zaha Hadid, is currently under construction. Bridges connecting to Reem Island and Saadiyat Island are also under construction.
Language and literature
The majority of the inhabitants of Abu Dhabi are expatriate workers from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Philippines, various countries from across the Arab world and elsewhere. English, Hindi, Tagalog and Urdu are widely spoken.
The native-born population are Arabic-speaking Gulf Arabs who are part of a clan-based society. The al-Nahyan family, part of the al-Falah branch of the Bani Yas tribe, rules the emirate and has a central place in society.
Current ruler
Sheikh Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan is the hereditary ruler of Abu Dhabi. (UAE). He is the son of Sheikh Zayed Al Nahayan, the first president of the UAE.
Climate
Sunny/blue skies can be expected throughout the year. The months June through September are generally hot and humid with temperatures averaging above 40 °C (110 °F). During this time, sandstorms also occur intermittently, in some cases reducing visibility down to a few meters.
The weather is usually pleasant from October to May. January to February is cooler and may require the use of a light jacket. This period also sees dense fog on some days. The oasis city of Al Ain, about 150 km away, bordering Oman, regularly records the highest summer temperatures in the country, however the dry desert air and cooler evenings make it a traditional retreat from the intense summer heat and year round humidity of the capital city.
Transport
Abu Dhabi International Airport- (AUH) serves this city. The local time is GMT + 4 hours. Private vehicles and taxis are the primary means of transportation in the city. There is a 4 AED pick-up fee plus 1 AED per km. Public buses are available, but are not widely used. The fare starts at 2 AED and it is rare for the fare to go above 6 AED during intracity travel. There are bus routes to nearby towns such as Baniyas, Habashan and Al Ain, among others. A service to Dubai (about 160 km away) started in 2005.
City planning
The city was planned in the 1970s for an estimated maximum population of 600,000. In accordance with what was considered to be ideal urban planning at the time, the city has wide grid-pattern roads, and high-density tower blocks.
On the northerly end of the island, where the population density is highest, the main streets are lined with 20-storey towers. Inside this rectangle of towers is a normal grid pattern of roads with lower density buildings (2 storey villas or 6 storey low-rise buildings).
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.
Abu Dhabi city is known in the region for its greenery; the former desert strip today includes numerous parks and gardens.
Mail is delivered to post-office boxes only; there is no door-to-door delivery.
There are many parks (or public gardens) throughout the city. Entrance is usually free for children, however there is often an entry fee for adults.
Planning problems
Future development
New developments on islands surrounding the city plan to increase the population of the city by up to 800,000.
Major projects
Culture and the arts
Abu Dhabi is trying to position itself as the "Cultural hub" of the Middle East, taking this mantle from such neighboring cities as Baghdad, Beirut and Cairo. It is home to a number of cultural institutions including the Cultural Foundation and the National Theater. The Cultural Foundation is home to the UAE Public Library and Cultural Center. Various cultural societies such as the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society have a strong and visible following in the city.
Education
Abu Dhabi is home to several international and local private schools and universities.
Primary and secondary schools
Colleges and universities
In the media
See also
External links
