Abu Dhabi
INTRO
Father of Gazelle is the literal translation of the name of the marvellous city of Abu Dhabi. The Arabian Jewel is the nickname referred to this extravagant and exotic island, where all the charm of the Arab modern world is concentrated. Abu Dhabi is a top class international resort, providing an exquisite taste of traditional desert atmosphere and unique culture. As probably the richest city in the world and the capital of the largest of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates, the city certainly provides one of the richest experiences of the Arab World.
City Profile
City: Abu Dhabi
Country: United Arab Emirates
Area: 6 700 square km
Population: 1,850,230
Sheikh: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan
Language: Arabic
LOCATION
Abu Dhabi is located on an island in a short distance from the mainland, to which is connected by two bridges, namely the Maqta and Musaffah Bridges. The city is spread on the lands of the oil-rich Abu Dhabi emirate that neighbours Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai and the Persian Gulf. The strategic position of the city makes in the business centre of the country.
TIME TO VISIT
The weather in Abu Dhabi is usually sunny, especially throughout the summer, when temperatures reach 40 degrees C, the air is humid and regular sandstorms make it unpleasant outside. In January and February it gets a little cooler but relatively worm for the accustomed to snowy winters tourists. Probably, the ideal time to visit the city is between October and May since the weather is pleasant and safe from the heat that accompanies the summer months.
POPULATION
The number of registered inhabitants of the city is over one and a half million people. The natives form a clan-based society that is under the control of the al-Nahyan family. Abu Dhabi is widely populated with foreigners who moved there to make a living and work for the city's residents. These include people from Pakistan, Egypt, India, Philippines and many other countries from the Arab world. Due to that fact, English is spoken everywhere in Abu Dhabi, including other languages like Hindi, Tagalog and Urdu.
DISTRICTS
Apart from the Corniche and the Breakwater, Abu Dhabi has some other districts that might be of interest to the visitor.
- Airport Road forms the spine of the city with the many shops, cafes and restaurants that are situated along.
- Al Baaten receives its name from the large Baaten shipyard within the district that is famous because one can witness the art of dhow buildings. The area is also frequently visited because of the several parks there.
- Al Markaziyah is the central business and shopping area, the latter of these activities being the main preoccupation of the locals, especially the women.
- Al Safarat is the home of the General Exhibition Centre, which hosts many different displays.
- Al Meena is known because it features several traditional markets, called souks, as well as modern shopping malls.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Abu Dhabi offers a wide and varied range of interesting and unusual things to do and visit. Beginning with the typical Arab food and traditional everyday activities like smoking pipes to shopping, sightseeing and walks along greenery parks. Here are some suggestions for what to do when you go there:
- Al-Husn Palace is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, dating back 200 years ago and the former home of the previous ruling family. The White Fort, as it is sometimes called, is famous for the beautifully decorated northern gate and its unique Arabian style.
- Heritage Village is a free of charge exhibition village in the middle of the city, showing the lifestyle of the Bedouin and other civilizations. Houses made of mud and bricks, traditional mosques and a typical Arabic souk, where one can purchase native handicrafts, are among the things that are found there.
- Women's Handicraft Centre is a famous leading producer and retailer of handicraft in Abu Dhabi. You can witness and most certainly appreciate the skills of the local women while producing local handicrafts.
- The Corniche is a typical park-lined boulevard along the seacoast that is perfect for night and day walks and provides a picturesque view of the city's modern buildings.
- Al Meena, Afghan and Iranian Souks. These traditional markets are a must for visitors of the Arab world. A part of their everyday life, today they are the areas where one can buy unique souvenirs or smoke some sheesha in the local "coffee shops".
- Petroleum Exhibition is the place where tourists can learn about oil industry. It is frequently a part of the programme of many tourist trips around the city.
AIRPORT
Abu Dhabi is served by one International Airport that connects it to other major international airports in the world.
- Abu Dhabi International Airport is located 38 km southeast of the city and the journey takes about 40- 45 minutes by the Abu Dhabi Municipal Buses that run every 30-45 minutes to the city centre. Fares: 3 AED. There are also taxis available at the terminal that charge fixed prices to the city. More info at: www.dcaauh.gov.ae
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
There are not so many options for the public transportation in the city because almost all native citizens have their own cars.
- Taxis are probably the most popular and easy way to go around the city. Prices start at 4 AED and charge additional 1 AED per kilometre.
- Public buses are also available but are not widely used. Fares vary between 2 and 6 AED within the city limits. There are also bus routes available to the nearby cities.
- Car: A good option is to hire a car. There are agencies at the airport that serve the tourists at reasonable prices.
HISTORY
The modern origin of Abu Dhabi is associated with the tribe Bani Yas, from which branched the present Al-Nahyan ruling family. In the middle of the 20th century the economy of the city was still sustained predominantly by camel herding, pearl diving and fishing. The growth of the pearl industry became the largest export and money source during the first half of the same century. The petroleum concession was granted to the city in 1939 but oil wasn't discovered until 1958. At first, the earnings from the petroleum business were not invested into a modernisation because of the current Sheikh who preferred to save it. Later, his brother became Sheikh of the United Arab Emirates and after the British withdrew from the Persian Gulf and set the Independence of the Emirates in 1971, the new ruler started transforming the city until it reached its present sophisticated appearance.
CITY LINKS
- Khaleej Times, A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/Index00.asp
- Interesting Places in Abu Dhabi: http://www.dubaicityguide.com/theguides/abudhabi.asp
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Abu_Dhabi
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Zayed University: http://www.zu.ac.ae/
- Al Khawarizmi International College: http://www.khawarizmi.com/
- Higher Colleges of Technology: www.hct.ac.ae/
- Petroleum Institute: http://www.pi.ac.ae/
- Abu Dhabi University: http://www.adu.ac.ae