Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)

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Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates and constitutes around 85% of the nation's total land area including nearly 200 islands. Abu Dhabi does not have a long history as people first settled here just around 250 years ago. In 1760, Bani Yas (a nomadic tribe) discovered water on the Island of Abu Dhabi and constructed their first township there. After that it remained a small fishing village until oil was discovered there in 1958.

This transformation from a small fishing village to one of the most modern cities in the world is solely because of the large amounts of revenues from oil, which was first discovered here a few decades ago. This new found prosperity of the city is clearly reflected in its modern infrastructure, shopping complexes, and recently developed tourist attractions. For an average tourist, this is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world with some of the best tourist facilities you can get. While Abu Dhabi is a vibrant and captivating city with an impressive skyline, parks and gardens, luxury hotels, extravagant villas and mansions, wide boulevards and beaches.

As the Capital of the UAE, this emirate is the center of government and business life in the UAE. All the embassies are based here. The parliamentary buildings in which the federal Cabinet meets, most of the federal ministries and institutions, the foreign embassies, state broadcasting facilities, and most of the oil companies are also located in Abu Dhabi . The emirate is also the home of Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Abu Dhabi 's oil wealth has been wisely utilized to encourage a healthy trade and commerce atmosphere, including those apart from oil industries. State-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of all the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centers and events have made this emirate a great destination for visitors and home to many nationalities. Activities range from shopping in the up market shops to haggling in the souk (market), traveling in an air conditioned limousine to riding a camel in the desert, dining in five-star luxury to sampling Bedouin hospitality under the night sky.

Visiting in the height of summer (July and August) is simply a bad idea; however, if you enjoy temperatures in excess of 45°C (112°F) you will be treated to heavily discounted hotel rates. Many hotels also offer up to 50% off their normal rates during Ramadan although you won't be able to buy any alcohol during this time. From May to September, daytime temperatures are in the low to mid-40°C (104-113 °F) range. In the winter months between November and January, temperatures average in the low to mid-20°C (68-77 °F) range. It can get very windy during these months.

Locality:

Abu Dhabi City is situated on an island about five miles wide and nine miles long. This is connected to the mainland by two bridges, Al Maqta and Mussafah. Abu Dhabi is situated on the Persian Gulf coast of the U.A.E, and is the largest of the 7 emirates that comprise this country. It is 120 Kilometers SW of Dubai along the coast. Abu Dhabi Airport is on the mainland and is around 30 minutes away from the city centre.

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Shopping - Abu Dhabi is home to a variety of shopping plazas in and around the city that display some of the most modern and exclusive goods in the world. People from around the world flock to Abu Dhabi in search of a bargain during the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival held every year in the month of March. During other times, you can visit the famous Old Souk (market), apparently an ideal place when it comes to buying precious metals such as gold, electronics goods, clothes, cars and virtually anything. Al Nasr Street is another important market place and has a number of antique shops and jewelry stores. Whilst here, you should also make it a point to visit the duty-free shops located at almost all major points in the city.

White Fort - One of the landmarks of Abu Dhabi, The Al Hosn Palace, commonly known as the White Fort, dates back over 200 years. Home of the former ruling family it is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi . The Palace is also home to the Cultural Foundation where many interesting exhibits of traditional artifacts and photographs are displayed. The courtyard and tile work over the main gate are particularly beautiful.

Heritage Village - The village is situated in the middle of Abu Dhabi and is a living exhibition of the lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin and other culture's.

The Cultural Foundation - Located in the Khalidiya Street , the foundation houses a weekly art exhibition, library, theatre auditorium, and lecture rooms. The centre is considered as the cultural heartbeat of the city.

The Corniche - A park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city, with a backdrop of modern buildings on one side and the sea on the other, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi .

Liwa Oasis - About a five hour drive from the city of Abu Dhabi is Liwa, one of the largest oasis in Arabia and a gateway to Rub al Khali or Empty Quarter . The place makes a refreshing change with freshwater pools and date plantations.

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Population: 2.563.200
Languages: Arabic (official), Persian, English, Hindi, Urdu
Currency: Emirati dirham
Currency code: AED
Local Times:
United Arab Emirates - Abu Dhabi - Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates - Dubai - Dubai

Country Dialling Code: +971
Voltage: 220V/230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel circular prongs with an earth connector

2 parallel circular prongs with an earth connector

The United Arab Emirates on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is a bit of an anathema in the Middle East. This union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms was formed when the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971, and today it is a modern, trend-setting conglomeration of high-rise cities with state-of-the-art tourist infrastructure, magnificent beaches and a paradise of duty free shopping. Unlike other Arab states the UAE actually courts and encourages tourists, constantly adding and upgrading events and attractions to complement its renown as the shopping capital of the world.

The second largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has area of some 3,900 sq km and an estimated population of 695,000 (1996). Oil contributes just 20 per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services - including tourism - account for 80 per cent.

The official language is Arabic but English is widely spoken and understood.

Islam is the official religion of the UAE and there are a large number of mosques throughout the city. Other religions are respected and Dubai has two Christian churches, St Mary's (Roman Catholic) and Holy Trinity (inter-denominational).

Normal tourist photography is acceptable but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men.

While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets may operate on a fixed price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation a way of life.