Derived from the Arabic word which means “father of gazelle,” Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the UAE and largest among the seven Emirates. It is one of world’s largest producers of oil, but actively diversifying on financial services and tourism.
Its land surface of 67,340 sq km is equivalent to about 80% of the UAE’s total land area. Population in the emirate, inclusive of Al Ain, the Western region and the Islands, stood at 1,463,491 as of 2006, comprising one third of UAE’s total population.
Most of Abu Dhabi is located on the island itself. The city of Abu Dhabi is close and joined to the mainland by the Maqta and Musaffah Bridges. The city is well-planned with landscapes and themed parks creating an ideal ambience amid skyscrapers, five-star hotels, and shopping malls and hypermarkets.
A tourism development and investment company has been formed to aid in the construction of some 4,000 new hotel rooms between 2007 and 2010, and another 13,000 rooms between 2010 and 2015. The much-anticipated completion of the Midfield Terminal Complex at the Abu Dhabi International Airport by 2010 will eventually increase the airport’s passenger handling capacity.
Other important projects in Abu Dhabi include the developments of Corniche and City Centre, Khalidiya Rotana Hotel and Residences, Abu Dhabi Central Market, Capital Plaza Development, Fairmont Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas.
Al Reem Island, located on the northeastern coast, will be home to an estimated 280,000 residents upon completion in 2012. Besides residential, commercial and retail or mall spaces, the 633-heactare development will also feature hotels, spas, schools, clinics and a golf course.
Being the capital, Abu Dhabi also hosts embassies from all over the world.
The famous natural Liwa oasis in the south is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world. It is also the frontier that leads to the legendary Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter), a vast expanse of desert that extends through Saudi Arabia and Oman.
The emirate was one of the world’s best pearling destinations until oil exploration began in the early 60s. Its wealth has been effectively utilized in building up a healthy trade and commercial atmosphere for other industries also.
Abu Dhabi ranks among the richest cities in the world with a GDP per capita of USD63,000 making it third in the world after Luxembourg and Norway. |
