Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (the most populated city being Dubai), as well as the capital of the Abu Dhabi emirate, the biggest of the UAE’s seven constituent emirates. Abu Dhabi is located on a T-shaped island that juts into the Persian Gulf from the country’s central western shore.

Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s most modern cities. Abu Dhabi, with a population of slightly under 1.5 million people, is home to a number of oil firms and embassies. Each of the emirate’s 420,000 people has an average net worth of $17 million (Dhs. 64M). Large gardens and parks, lush boulevards surrounding all streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, worldwide luxury hotel chains, and wealthy retail complexes characterize the city.

Long seen as a stodgy bureaucratic backwater devoid of the oomph of neighboring Dubai, things began to shift dramatically in 2004 when long-ruler Sheikh Zayed died and his son Sheikh Khalifa took control. Land sales to foreigners were permitted, and alcohol regulations were relaxed, in an effort to promote tourists and investment.

Abu Dhabi’s fast expansion and urbanization, along with its population’s relatively high average income, have converted the city into a vast and modern metropolis. Because to its location as the country’s capital, the city is now the country’s political and industrial core, as well as a significant cultural and economic center. Abu Dhabi accounts for nearly two-thirds of the United Arab Emirates’ $400 billion GDP.

Abu Dhabi – Info Card

Tourism in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital and administrative hub of the United Arab Emirates. It is the biggest metropolis in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and one of the world’s most modern cities.

Abu Dhabi, with a population of slightly under 1.5 million people, is home to a number of oil firms and embassies. Each of the emirate’s 420,000 people has an average net worth of $17 million (Dhs. 64M). Large gardens and parks, lush boulevards surrounding all streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, worldwide luxury hotel chains, and wealthy retail complexes characterize the city.

Long seen as a stodgy bureaucratic backwater devoid of the oomph of neighboring Dubai, things began to shift dramatically in 2004 when long-ruler Sheikh Zayed died and his son Sheikh Khalifa took control. Land sales to foreigners were permitted, and alcohol regulations were relaxed, in an effort to promote tourists and investment.

Several large-scale projects are also in the works. Yas Island is home to Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 circuit and the Ferrari World amusement park, while Saadiyat Island’s forthcoming $28 billion cultural zone and its centerpieces, the Louvre and Guggenheim museums, are set to open in 2015 and 2017, respectively (respectively). It remains to be seen how effective the plan will be, but the city is undoubtedly witnessing a development boom.

ORIENTATION

The majority of Abu Dhabi is located on a wedge-shaped island connected to the mainland by two bridges.

In Abu Dhabi, street addresses are both incredibly reasonable and utterly perplexing. Many roads have traditional names, such as “Airport Rd,” that may or may not correlate to official titles, such as “Maktoum St,” and the city is split into traditional districts, such as “Khalidiyya.” However, the city has recently been divided into numbered “zones” and “sectors,” with all roads in each sector numbered, First St, Second St, etc., and the great majority of street signs only relate to these. The primary street system is simple enough once you know that odd-numbered streets travel across the island and even-numbered streets run along it. So First Street is the Corniche, and the odd numbers extend out of town until 31st Street, near the new Khalifa Park. Airport Rd is Second St, and the even numbers continue east until 10th St, near the Abu Dhabi Mall. The numbers go from 22nd Street to 32nd Street on the west side of Airport Rd, near the new Bateem Marina. Unfortunately, confusion is generated by small streets, which are marked with green signs (major streets are marked with blue signs) and are also known as First, Second, and so on. Most locals choose to disregard the system totally, and so navigating by landmarks is the easiest method to offer directions; if taking a cab, chances are you will arrive to “behind the Hilton Baynunah” considerably quicker than “Fifth Street, Sector 2.”

SHOPPING

Abu Dhabi is a shopper’s paradise. There are a number of malls, the most of which house the same retailers as other malls. Malls offer prominent international chain shops as well as designer businesses, in addition to enterprises oriented at locals. While local etiquette requires women to cover up in public, most shops offer short skirts and halter tops alongside the more sedate floor-length skirts and high-necked blouses.

The Abu Dhabi Mall (in Tourist Club Area, adjacent to the Beach Rotana Hotel.). a three-story retail center

Marina Mall (located near the spectacular Emirates Palace in the Water Breaker area). It also houses one of the town’s two Carrefour hypermarkets.) features a musical fountain and thundering and raining ceilings

Yas Shopping Centre. On Yas Island, it opened in 2014, near to Ferrari World. This is Abu Dhabi’s largest mall and the world’s 16th largest mall. It is home to the UAE’s first Lego shop. It’s linked to Ferrari World.

Al Wahda Mall (located in the heart of downtown, between 11th and 4th Streets). a huge, contemporary shopping center The stores are high-end, the food court is huge, and the basement’s LuLu Hypermart is possibly the biggest supermarket and dry goods shop in, well, anyplace.

Khalidiya Mall The Khalidiya mall is a pleasant location to visit. The monotonous fashion boutiques may captivate you for a few seconds, but the evident lack of things to do sets in. The food court, which includes New York Fries, Chili’s, and a Dunkin’ Donuts + Baskin Robbins, is popular.

Downstairs, there is an exorbitant Krispy Kreme and Starbucks, as well as what seems to be an Indian/Arabian cuisine restaurant, which appears to be decent but unpopular.

Boutik is a kind of textile (on Reem Island). A mall with many unfilled areas, although it already contains a grocery, café, restaurant, and a playground, among other things.

There are also numerous tiny, independent shops scattered across the city. A person may buy exquisite chocolates, computer components, antiques, and apparel on the lowest level of one building. Carpets, paintings, local jewelry, and antiques are best bought at independent or souk-like stores than than malls since the prices are cheaper and the proprietors are more eager to bargain.

Bargaining is an important element of buying in the Emirates, but be cautious. Do not haggle at Marks & Spencer or Hang Ten. Save your discounted abilities for independent stores that sell antiques and similar items.

Most stores make it difficult to shop because employees follow you throughout the store. This is related in part to their perception of what constitutes excellent service, and in part to a shoplifting issue. Most staff will not be invasive, but others may be excessively aggressive and overly obedient. If you smile and thank them often, you’ll be more likely to be left alone after a while.

THINGS TO DO

Abu Dhabi has few historical or cultural attractions, but it is not short in attractions, many of which are free.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque The world’s eighth biggest mosque. On Fridays, it is closed to the general public and only available to worshipers. You may take a public bus there (bus 54). Make sure to ask the bus driver to notify you when you arrive. The public bus stop is 100 meters before the mosque, and there are no further stops for the following 5 kilometers. Every day, the Mosque Centre gives many free tours of the mosque. The times change on a daily basis, so be sure to check the site. Dress conservatively since it is a place of worship. Women, in particular, must cover their heads and, if wearing sandals, their ankles. The mosque provides appropriate black attire. Wear sturdy shoes, a long dress or long trousers, and a scarf to cover your head/hair to prevent having to line for clothes. Clothing is also available for males, although it is probable that it will be superfluous. Women who are inadequately clothed will be confronted by security even while snapping pictures outside the mosque.

Qasr al-Hosn This modest fort, Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone edifice, was built in 1761 and functioned as the royal residence from the late 18th century until 1966. The location is presently encircled by boards, and the building is not accessible to the general public.

Corniche. The magnificent Abu Dhabi beachfront spans for kilometers from the Breakwater near Marina Shopping Mall nearly all the way up to the Mina Zayed port. It has a promenade that runs the full length of it, and certain portions have sandy beaches. There are also various activities available, such as go-kart racing, playgrounds, and even performance stages. All of this against the background of downtown Abu Dhabi’s stunning structures. When you arrive in the evening, it seems as if the whole city of Abu Dhabi has descended upon you for an evening stroll.

Flagpole. This is one of the world’s highest flagpoles, standing at 123 meters, and you won’t miss the big UAE flag flying from it. Marina Island, just across from Marina Mall.

Abu Dhabi boasts numerous vast green spaces, many of which include play areas and playground equipment for children, and the city is dotted with beautiful fountains, swaths of neon light, and the odd sculpture.

Khalifa Park (near the Grand Mosque, off Al Salam St). By far the finest park, created at a cost of $50 million. It has an aquarium, a museum, a railway, play areas, and formal gardens.

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre has become a landmark in the UAE, hosting cultural events and courses all year. It has a well-stocked library, children’s programs, art exhibits, benefits, and other cultural events that each city should have. It’s definitely worth a look.

Climate of Abu Dhabi

The climate in Abu Dhabi is hot and dry.

Throughout the year, sunny blue sky may be anticipated. The months of June through September are often quite hot, with maximum temperatures averaging over 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Sandstorms occur sporadically throughout this time, decreasing visibility to a few meters in certain circumstances.

From November through March, the temperature fluctuates from quite hot to chilly. On certain days around this time, there is also intense fog. January is the coldest month on average, while July and August are the warmest.

Geography of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is located on the Arabian Peninsula’s northeastern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is located on an island less than 250 meters (820 feet) from the mainland and is connected to it by the Maqta and Mussafah Bridges. Zaha Hadid’s Sheikh Zayed Bridge, the third, inaugurated in late 2010. A five-lane highway bridge connects Abu Dhabi Island to Saadiyat Island. The Al-Mafraq bridge, which links the city to Reem Island, was finished in early 2011. This is a multilayer interchange bridge with 27 lanes that can accommodate about 25,000 vehicles per hour. The project includes three main bridges, the biggest of which has eight lanes, four leaving Abu Dhabi and four entering.

Economy of Abu Dhabi

The UAE has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world due to its vast hydrocarbon riches, and Abu Dhabi holds the bulk of these resources – 95 percent of the oil and 92 percent of the gas. As a result, Abu Dhabi has 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves (98.2 billion barrels) and about 5% of the world’s natural gas reserves (5.8 trillion cu metres). In 2010, the UAE’s oil output was at 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd), with plans to increase production to 3 million bpd. In recent years, the emphasis has shifted to gas as domestic demand for electricity, desalination, and gas reinjection into oil fields has increased.

In addition, there has been a push to enhance the tourist and real estate industries, with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Development Investment Company launching many large-scale development projects. These developments will be supported by enhanced transportation infrastructure, including a new port, enlarged airport, and a planned rail connection between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, all of which are in the planning phases.

In terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita income, Abu Dhabi is the richest emirate in the UAE. This metropolis alone has attracted more than $1 trillion in investment from throughout the globe. In 2010, the GDP per capita was $49,600, ranking ninth in the world behind Qatar, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg, among many others. For a resident and a non-bank, non-oil firm, taxation in Abu Dhabi, like in the rest of the UAE, is $0.

The government of Abu Dhabi is aiming to diversify its income streams away from oil and gas production and toward tourism and other activities that would appeal to a diverse range of people. This ambition may be observed in Abu Dhabi’s dedication to its International Airport. Passenger utilization at the airport increased by more than 30% in 2009.