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{{About|the city|the emirate|Abu Dhabi (emirate)}} |
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customer satisfaction is My first priority. |
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{{Infobox settlement |
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|official_name = Abu Dhabi |
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|Continent= Asia |
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|name = Abu Dhabi|settlement_type = City |
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|native_name = {{lang|ar|أبوظبي}} |
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|url=https://www.facebook.com/AUH.UAE |
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|image_skyline =Abu Dhabi Skyline fron Corniche Rd.JPG |
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|image_caption = Skyline of Abu Dhabi from Corniche Rd |
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|image_flag = Flag of Abu Dhabi.svg|thumb|300px|right |
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|pushpin_map = UAE |
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|pushpin_mapsize = 280 |
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|pushpin_map_caption = UaE |
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|government_type = [[Constitutional monarchy]] |
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<ref name="constmonarchy">{{cite web |title=UAE Constitution |url=http://www.helplinelaw.com/law/uae/constitution/constitution01.php |publisher=Helplinelaw.com |accessdate=2008-07-21 | archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20130217082141/http://helplinelaw.com/law/uae/constitution/constitution01.php | archivedate=17 February 2013 }} |
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</ref> |
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|subdivision_type1 = Country |
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|subdivision_name1 = [[United Arab Emirates]] |
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|latd=24 |latm=28 |latNS=N |
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|longd=54 |longm=22 |longEW=E |
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|coordinates_display =inline,title |
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|coordinates_type = region:AE-AZ_type:city |
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|leader_title = [[Sheikh]] |
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|leader_name = [[Khalifa bin Zayed]] |
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|leader_title1 = [[Crown prince|Crown Prince]] |
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|leader_name1 = [[Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan|Mohammed bin Zayed]] |
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|area_note = |
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|area_magnitude = |
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|area_total_km2 = 972.45 |
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|altitude = 27 |
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|population_as_of = 2013 |
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|population_total = 2.206 million |
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|population_footnotes = |
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<ref name="wg"> |
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<!-- prior ref was use http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gpro&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=412151437 however, CIA Fact Book is a more credible and reliable reference source --> |
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{{cite web |
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| title = Middle East :: United Arab Emirates |
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| url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ae.html |
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| publisher = Central Intelligence Agency |
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| accessdate = 5 April 2013 |
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}} |
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</ref> |
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|population_density_km2 = auto |
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|utc_offset = +4 |
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|timezone = UAE standard time |
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|website = [http://www.abudhabi.ae/ Abu Dhabi Government Portal] |
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|Facebook = [https://www.facebook.com/AUH.UAE Facebook Page] |
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|footnotes = |
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}} |
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[[File:Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.JPG|thumb|Aerial view of Abu Dhabi on the coast of the [[Persian Gulf]]]] |
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'''Abu Dhabi''' (US {{IPAc-en|ˈ|ɑː|b|uː|_|ˈ|d|ɑː|b|i}}, UK {{IPAc-en|ˈ| æ|b|uː|_|ˈ|d|ɑː|b|i}}; {{lang-ar|أبو ظبي}} ''{{transl|ar|Abū Ẓabī}}'' <small>Emirati pronunciation</small> {{IPA-ar|ɐˈbuˈðˤɑbi|}})<ref name="name"> |
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{{cite web |
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| title = How did Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other cities get their names? Experts reveal all |
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| publisher = UAE Interact |
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| date = 3 October 2007 |
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| accessdate = 5 April 2013 |
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| url = http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/rss-news.asp?ID=24335 |
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}}</ref> is the [[Capital city|capital]] and the second most populous city in the [[United Arab Emirates]] and also capital of the largest of the UAE's seven member emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the [[Persian Gulf]] from the central western coast. The city proper had a population of 921,000 in 2013.<ref name=wg_ad>[http://world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gcis&lng=en&des=wg&srt=npan&col=abcdefghinoq&msz=1500&geo=-12 United Arab Emirates: largest cities and towns and statistics of their population]. World Gazetteer.</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi houses federal government offices, is the seat of the [[Federal National Council|United Arab Emirates Government]], home to the [[Al Nahyan family|Abu Dhabi Emiri Family]] and the President of the UAE, who is from this family. Abu Dhabi has grown to be a [[Multiculturalism|cosmopolitan]] metropolis. Its rapid development and [[Urbanization|urbanisation]], coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed Abu Dhabi to a larger and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's center of [[Politics|political]] and [[industry|industrial]] activities, and a major [[Culture|cultural]] and [[commerce|commercial]] centre, due to its position as the capital. Abu Dhabi alone generated 56.7% of the GDP of the [[United Arab Emirates]] in 2008.<ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/09/06/17/10323520.html Gulfnews: Dubai contributes more than 30% of the UAE economy]. Archive.gulfnews.com (16 June 2009). Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref><ref>[http://web.dcci.ae/LibNewsLetter/EN/EN_November06/Gulfnews%20Abu%20Dhabi%20and%20Dubai%20lead%20in%20contributions%20to%20GDP.htm Gulfnews: Abu Dhabi and Dubai lead in contributions to GDP]{{dead link|date=February 2012}}</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi is home to important financial institutions such as the [[Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange]], the [[Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates]] and the corporate headquarters of many companies and numerous [[multinational corporation]]s. One of the world's largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its economy in recent years through investments in [[financial services]] and [[tourism]]. |
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Abu Dhabi is the [[List of most expensive cities for expatriate employees|second most expensive city]] for expatriate employees in the [[Middle East|region]], and 67th most expensive city in the world.<ref name="City Mayors">{{cite web |url=http://www.citymayors.com/features/cost_survey.html |title=Cost of living — The world's most expensive cities |publisher=City Mayors |accessdate=2010-08-14}}</ref> ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' magazine and CNN stated in 2007 that Abu Dhabi is the richest city in the world.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gimbel |first=Barney |url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2007/03/19/8402357/ |title=The richest city in the world. (No, it's not Dubai.) - March 19, 2007 |publisher=Money.cnn.com |date=12 March 2007 |accessdate=2012-02-23}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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===Early civilizations=== |
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Abu Dhabi is full of archeological evidence that points to civilizations, such as the [[Umm an-Nar Culture]], having been located there from the third millennium BC. Settlements were also found further outside the modern city of Abu Dhabi but closer to the modern city of [[Al Ain]]. There is evidence of civilizations around the mountain of Hafeet (Jebel Hafeet). This location is very strategic because it is the UAE’s second tallest mountain, so it would have great visibility. It also contains a lot of moisture in its springs and lakes, which means that there would have been more moisture thousands of years ago.<ref>{{cite book|last=Potts|first=Daniel|title=Archaeology of the United Arab Emirates|year=2003|publisher=Trident Press}}</ref> |
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===Origin of the name Abu Dhabi=== |
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The origin of the name "Abu Dhabi" is uncertain. Meaning "Father of Deer", when literally translated from Arabic, it probably referred to the few gazelles that inhabit the emirate. According to Bilal al-Budoor, assistant under-secretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, "The area had a lot of dhibaa [deer (plural)], and was nicknamed after that." An old story tells about a man who used to chase deer [dhabi (deer - singular)] and was named the "father" of the animal. Abu Dhabi's original name was ''Milh'' "salt", possibly referring to the salty water of the Persian Gulf, or the ancient [[salt marsh]]es that surround the city. Some Bedouins called the city Umm Dhabi (mother of deer), while British records refer to the place as Abu Dhabi. According to some historical accounts, the name Abu Dhabi was first used more than 300 years ago. The first word of Abu Dhabi is pronounced "Bu" by inhabitants on the city's western coast. In the eastern part of the city, the pronunciation is "Abu".<ref name="name"/> |
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===Origins of the Al Nahyan family=== |
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The Bani Yas bedouin were originally centered on the [[Liwa Oasis]]. This tribe was the most significant in the area, having over 20 subsections. In 1793, the Al Bu Falah subsection migrated to the island of Abu Dhabi on the coast of the Persian Gulf due to the discovery of fresh water there. One family within this section was the [[Al Nahyan family]]. This family makes up the rulers of Abu Dhabi today.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bani Yas|url=http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae|work=His Highness Sheikh Maktoum|accessdate=13 April 2011| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110430085200/http://sheikhmohammed.co.ae/| archivedate= 30 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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===Pearl trade=== |
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Abu Dhabi worked in the pearl business and traded with others. According to a source about pearling, the [[Persian Gulf]] was the best location for pearls. Pearl divers dove for one to one-and-a-half minutes, and would have dived up to thirty times per day. There were no oxygen tanks and any other sort of mechanical device was forbidden. The divers had a leather nose clip and leather coverings on their fingers and big toes to protect them while they searched for oysters.<ref>{{cite book|last=Trench|first=Richard|title=Arab Gulf Cities|year=1995|publisher=Archive International Group|location=Oxford}}</ref> The divers were not paid for a day’s work but received a portion of the season’s earnings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pearl Diving|url=http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae|work=His Highness Sheikh Maktoum|accessdate=13 April 2011| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110430085200/http://sheikhmohammed.co.ae/| archivedate= 30 April 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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===Trucial coast=== |
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In the 19th century, as a result of treaties (known as "truces" which gave the coast its name) entered into between Great Britain and the sheikhs of the [[Arab States of the Persian Gulf]], Britain became the predominant influence in the area.<ref>[http://www.eceme.ensino.eb.br/cihm/Arquivos/PDF%20Files/99.pdf Trucial Gulf Sheikdoms and Great Britain]</ref> The main purpose of British interest was to protect the trade route to India from pirates, hence the earlier name for the area, the "Pirate Coast". After piracy was suppressed other considerations came into play, such as a strategic need of the British to exclude other powers from the region. Following their withdrawal from India in 1947, the British maintained their influence in Abu Dhabi as interest in the oil potential of the Persian Gulf grew. |
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===First oil discoveries=== |
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In the 1930s, as the pearl trade declined, interest grew in the oil possibilities of the region. On 5 January 1936, Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd (PDTC), an associate company of the [[Iraq Petroleum Company]], entered into a concession agreement with the ruler, [[Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan|Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan al Nahyan]], to explore for oil. This was followed by a seventy-five-year concession signed in January 1939. However, owing to the desert terrain, inland exploration was fraught with difficulties. In 1953, D'Arcy Exploration Company, the exploration arm of [[BP]], obtained an offshore concession which was then transferred to a company created to operate the concession: Abu Dhabi Marine Areas (ADMA) was a joint venture between BP and Compagnie Française des Pétroles (later [[Total S.A.|Total]]). In 1958, using a marine drilling platform, the ADMA Enterprise, oil was struck in the Umm Shaif field at a depth of about {{convert|8,755|ft|m}}. This was followed in 1959 by PDTC’s onshore discovery well at Murban No.3.<ref name=AB>Morton,Michael Quentin, "The Abu Dhabi Oil Discoveries", GEO Expro article, issue 3, 2011.[http://www.geoexpro.com/article/The_Abu_Dhabi_Oil_Discoveries/a3b23f12.aspx]</ref> |
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In 1962, the company discovered the Bu Hasa field and ADMA followed in 1965 with the discovery of the Zakum offshore field. Today, in addition to the oil fields mentioned, the main producing fields onshore are Asab, Sahil and Shah, and offshore are al-Bunduq, and Abu al-Bukhoosh.<ref name=AB/> |
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==Geography and climate== |
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{{Main|Geography of the United Arab Emirates}} |
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[[File:Abu Dhabi SPOT 1034.jpg|thumb|Abu Dhabi seen from SPOT satellite]] |
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The city of Abu Dhabi is on the northeastern part of the [[Persian Gulf]] in the [[Arabian Peninsula]]. It is on an [[island]] less than {{convert|250|m|-1}} from the mainland and is joined to the mainland by the Maqta and [[Mussafah]] [[Bridge]]s. A third, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, designed by [[Zaha Hadid]], opened in late 2010. Abu Dhabi Island is also connected to [[Saadiyat Island]] by a five-lane motorway bridge. Al-Mafraq bridge connects the city to [[Al Reem Island|Reem Island]] and was completed in early 2011. This is a multilayer interchange bridge and it has 27 lanes which allow roughly 25,000 automobiles to move per hour. There are three major bridges of the project, the largest has eight lanes, four leaving Abu Dhabi city and four coming in.<ref>{{cite web|title=Abu Dhabi Municipality {{!}} Media Center |url=http://www.adm.gov.ae|work=Municipality of Abu Dhabi City|accessdate=7 February 2011| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20110202175555/http://www.adm.gov.ae/| archivedate= 2 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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Most of Abu Dhabi city is located on the island itself, but it has many suburbs on the mainland, for example: Khalifa City A, B, and C;<ref>http://www.iscadkc-sabis.net Khalifa City</ref> Al Raha Beach;<ref>[http://www.danathotels.com/Hotels-Resorts/Al-Raha-Beach-Hotel Al Raha Beach Resort]</ref> Al Bahia City A, B, and C; Al Shahama; Al Rahba; Between Two Bridges; Baniyas; and Mussafah Residential. |
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The Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s land surface measures 67,340 square kilometres, which is equivalent to about 87% of the UAE’s total land area.<ref>[http://looklex.com/e.o/abu_dhabi_e.htm Abu Dhabi Surface Area]</ref> Only 30% of the emirate is inhabited, with the remaining vast expanses covered mainly by desert and arid land — constituting about 93% of the total land area. |
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Land cultivation and irrigation for agriculture and forestation over the past decade has increased the size of "green" areas in the emirate to about 5% of the total land area, including parks and roadside plantations. About 1.2% of the total land area is used for agriculture. A small part of the land area is covered by mountains, containing several caves. The coastal area contains pockets of wetland and mangrove colonies. Abu Dhabi also has dozens of islands, mostly small and uninhabited, some of which have been designated as sanctuaries for wildlife.<ref>[http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/what.to.see/islands.aspx Islands of Abu Dhabi]</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi has a [[hot desert climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''BWh''). Sunny blue skies can be expected throughout the year. The months of June through September are generally extremely hot and humid with maximum temperatures averaging above {{convert|38|°C|0|abbr=on}}. During this time, sandstorms occur intermittently, in some cases reducing visibility to a few meters.<ref>[http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/sandstorms-sweep-across-region Abu Dhabi Sandstorm]</ref> |
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The cooler season is from November to March, which ranges between moderately hot to warm. This period also sees dense fog on some days. On average, January is the coolest month in the year, while July and August are the hottest. |
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The oasis city of [[Al Ain]], about {{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}} 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT002910|title=Sharjah, United Arab Emirates|work=BBC Weather|accessdate=2009-07-22}}</ref> |
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{{Weather box |
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|location = Abu Dhabi |
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|metric first = Yes |
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|single line = Yes |
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|Jan record high C = 33.7 |
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|Feb record high C = 34.4 |
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|Mar record high C = 39.8 |
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|Apr record high C = 44.5 |
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|May record high C = 46.2 |
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|Jun record high C = 47.3 |
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|Jul record high C = 48.0 |
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|Aug record high C = 46.1 |
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|Sep record high C = 44.6 |
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|Oct record high C = 41.6 |
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|Nov record high C = 36.7 |
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|Dec record high C = 32.3 |
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|Jan high C = 23.7 |
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|Feb high C = 24.8 |
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|Mar high C = 28.4 |
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|Apr high C = 32.9 |
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|May high C = 37.5 |
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|Jun high C = 38.8 |
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|Jul high C = 40.4 |
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|Aug high C = 40.4 |
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|Sep high C = 39.0 |
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|Oct high C = 35.0 |
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|Nov high C = 30.1 |
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|Dec high C = 25.7 |
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|Jan mean C = 18.8 |
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|Feb mean C = 19.6 |
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|Mar mean C = 22.6 |
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|Apr mean C = 26.4 |
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|May mean C = 30.4 |
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|Jun mean C = 32.2 |
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|Jul mean C = 33.8 |
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|Aug mean C = 34.0 |
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|Sep mean C = 32.2 |
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|Oct mean C = 28.8 |
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|Nov mean C = 24.5 |
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|Dec mean C = 20.8 |
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|Jan low C = 13.8 |
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|Feb low C = 14.5 |
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|Mar low C = 17.5 |
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|Apr low C = 20.8 |
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|May low C = 24.8 |
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|Jun low C = 26.8 |
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|Jul low C = 29.0 |
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|Aug low C = 29.4 |
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|Sep low C = 26.8 |
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|Oct low C = 23.2 |
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|Nov low C = 19.0 |
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|Dec low C = 15.8 |
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|Jan record low C = 7.9 |
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|Feb record low C = 7.5 |
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|Mar record low C = 10.2 |
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|Apr record low C = 13.3 |
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|May record low C = 16.0 |
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|Jun record low C = 21.7 |
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|Jul record low C = 22.7 |
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|Aug record low C = 25.6 |
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|Sep record low C = 20.4 |
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|Oct record low C = 15.4 |
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|Nov record low C = 12.3 |
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|Dec record low C = 9.6 |
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|Jan precipitation mm = 7.0 |
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|Feb precipitation mm = 21.2 |
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|Mar precipitation mm = 14.5 |
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|Apr precipitation mm = 6.1 |
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|May precipitation mm = 1.3 |
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|Jun precipitation mm = 0 |
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|Jul precipitation mm = 0 |
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|Aug precipitation mm = 1.5 |
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|Sep precipitation mm = 0 |
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|Oct precipitation mm = 0 |
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|Nov precipitation mm = 0.3 |
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|Dec precipitation mm = 5.2 |
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|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm |
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|Jan precipitation days = 1.2 |
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|Feb precipitation days = 2.8 |
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|Mar precipitation days = 2.8 |
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|Apr precipitation days = 1.2 |
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|May precipitation days = 0.1 |
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|Jun precipitation days = 0.0 |
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|Jul precipitation days = 0.0 |
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|Aug precipitation days = 0.1 |
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|Sep precipitation days = 0.0 |
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|Oct precipitation days = 0.0 |
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|Nov precipitation days = 0.2 |
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|Dec precipitation days = 1.5 |
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|Jan humidity = 68 |
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|Feb humidity = 67 |
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|Mar humidity = 63 |
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|Apr humidity = 58 |
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|May humidity = 55 |
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|Jun humidity = 60 |
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|Jul humidity = 61 |
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|Aug humidity = 63 |
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|Sep humidity = 64 |
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|Oct humidity = 65 |
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|Nov humidity = 65 |
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|Dec humidity = 68 |
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|Jan sun= 246.1 |
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|Feb sun= 232.6 |
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|Mar sun= 251.1 |
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|Apr sun= 280.5 |
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|May sun= 342.2 |
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|Jun sun= 336.9 |
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|Jul sun= 314.2 |
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|Aug sun= 307.5 |
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|Sep sun= 302.4 |
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|Oct sun= 304.7 |
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|Nov sun= 286.6 |
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|Dec sun= 257.6 |
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|source 1 = NOAA (1971-1991)<ref name="NOAA">{{cite web|title=Climate Normals for Abu Dhabi|url=ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/UE/41216.TXT|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]|accessdate=10 February 2013}}</ref> |
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|date=February 2012 |
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}} |
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==Governance and politics== |
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{{Main|Politics of the United Arab Emirates}}[[Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan]] is the hereditary ruler of Abu Dhabi (UAE). He is a son of Sheikh [[Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan]], the first president of the [[United Arab Emirates]]. His half-brother, [[Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan]], is Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and wields considerable influence as Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council and Deputy Supreme Commander of the armed forces of The United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{cite web|author=UAEinteract.com |url=http://www.uaeinteract.com/business/gabu.asp |title=UAE Government Offices: Abu Dhabi |publisher=UAEinteract |date= |accessdate=2009-07-07| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090602214743/http://www.uaeinteract.com/business/gabu.asp| archivedate= 2 June 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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The total number of members of the Executive Council has been slimmed down to 98 since the succession and it now consists largely of prominent members of the ruling family as well as a number of respected politicians.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.abudhabi.alloexpat.com/abudhabi_information/government_abudhabi.php |title=Government in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Politics - Allo' Expat Abu Dhabi |publisher=Abudhabi.alloexpat.com |date= |accessdate=2009-07-07| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090612045908/http://www.abudhabi.alloexpat.com/abudhabi_information/government_abudhabi.php| archivedate= 12 June 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> |
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The emirates maintain their hereditary rulers who, as a group, form the UAE’s Supreme Council of Rulers, headed by the president. Although the presidency is renewable every five years through a vote in the council, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan held the presidency from the formation of the UAE until his death in November 2004, and there is an implicit understanding that Abu Dhabi’s ruler will always be elected president.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> |
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At a federal level, laws must be ratified by the Supreme Council. The Council of Ministers forms the executive authority of the state. This 20-member cabinet is headed by the president’s chosen prime minister, a post currently held by [[Dubai]]’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The cabinet also refers to the Federal National Council (FNC), a 40-member consultative body to which each emirate appoints a certain number of members. In the case of Abu Dhabi, this is eight. The procedures for appointment to the FNC have recently been amended so that each emirate must now select its representatives through an electoral body. The size of each electoral authority must be 100 times greater than the number of representatives it appoints. Half the members of each electoral body will be selected by the ruler of the emirate while the other half will be directly elected by residents of the emirate. These amendments are considered to be the first step in a wider electoral reform program which will see greater representation at a federal level.<ref name="Oxfordbusinessgroup.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country.asp?country=36 |title=Emirates: Abu Dhabi: Country Profile - Geography, History, Government and Politics, Population and Economy |publisher=Oxfordbusinessgroup.com |date= |accessdate=2009-07-07}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
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==Cityscape== |
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{{wide image|Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach.jpg|800px|<center>Panoramic view of the Corniche.}} |
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===Neighborhoods=== |
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[[File:Skyscrapers at West Corniche Rd.JPG|thumb|Skyscrapers on West Corniche Rd, Al Ras Al Akhdar, in March 2013. [[Etihad Towers]] at the right.]] |
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{{div col|2}} |
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* [[Al Aman]] |
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* [[Al Bateen]] |
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* [[Al Dhafrah]] |
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* [[Al Khubeirah]] |
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* [[Al Lulu Island]] |
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* [[Al Madina (Abu Dhabi)|Al Madina]] |
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* [[Al Manaseer]] |
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* [[Al Manhal]] |
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* [[Al Maqtaa]] |
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* [[Al Markaziyah]] |
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* [[Al Meena]] |
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* [[Al Moroor]] |
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* [[Al Mushrif]] |
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* [[Al Muzoon]] |
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* [[Al Nahyan]] |
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* [[Al Qubesat]] |
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* [[Al Ras Al Akhdar]] |
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* [[Al Rehhan]] |
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* [[Al Rowdah]] |
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* [[Al Zaab]] |
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* [[Al Zahraa]] |
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*[[Al Khalidyah]] |
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* [[Hideriyyat]] |
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* [[Marina Village (Abu Dhabi)|Marina Village]] |
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* [[Officers City]] |
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* [[Qasr El Bahr]] |
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* [[Qasr El Shatie]] |
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{{div col end}} |
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===Architecture=== |
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{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi}} |
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[[File:ADIA Tower and The Landmark in Abu Dhabi.jpg|thumb|left|[[Abu Dhabi Investment Authority|ADIA Tower]] to the left and [[The Landmark (Abu Dhabi)|The Landmark]] at the right in Abu Dhabi]] |
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[[File:13-08-06-abu-dhabi-by-RalfR-088.jpg|thumb|Street View]] |
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The density of Abu Dhabi varies, with high employment density in the central area, high residential densities in central downtown and lower densities in the suburbs. In the dense areas, most of the concentration is achieved with medium- and high-rise buildings. Abu Dhabi's skyscrapers such as the notable [[Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Tower]],<ref>[http://www.emporis.com/building/abudhabiinvestmentauthoritytower-abudhabi-unitedarabemirates Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Tower]</ref> the [[National Bank of Abu Dhabi]] headquarters,<ref>[http://www.nbad.com/Pages/default.aspx National Bank HQ]</ref> the [[Hilton Hotels|Hilton Hotel]] Tower<ref>[http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/uae/hilton-abu-dhabi-hotel-AUHHITW/index.html Hilton Abu DhabI]</ref> and the [[Etisalat]] headquarters are usually found in the financial districts of Abu Dhabi.<ref>[http://www.emporis.com/building/etisalatheadquarters-abudhabi-unitedarabemirates Etisalat Headquarters]</ref> Other notable modern buildings include the [[Emirates Palace]] with its design inspired by Arab heritage.<ref>[http://www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/welcome/ The Emirates Palace]</ref> |
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The development of tall buildings has been encouraged in the [[Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council|Abu Dhabi Plan 2030]], which will lead to the construction of many new skyscrapers over the next decade, particularly in the expansion of Abu Dhabi's central business district such as the new developments on [[Al Sowwah Island]] and [[Al Reem Island]].<ref>[http://www.upc.gov.ae/abu-dhabi-2030.aspx?lang=en-US Plan 2030]</ref> Abu Dhabi already has a number of [[List of tallest buildings in the world|supertall skyscrapers]] under construction throughout the city. Some of the tallest buildings on the skyline include the {{convert|382|m|2|abbr=on}} [[Central Market Project|Central Market Residential Tower]], the {{convert|324|m|2|abbr=on}} [[The Landmark (Abu Dhabi)|The Landmark]] and the 74-story, {{convert|310|m|2|abbr=on}} [[The Gate Shams Abu Dhabi|Sky Tower]]. Also many other skyscrapers over {{convert|150|m|2|abbr=on}} (500 ft) are either proposed or approved and could transform the city's skyline. As of July 2008, there were 62 high-rise buildings {{convert|23|to|150|m|2|abbr=on|lk=out}} under construction, approved for construction, or proposed for construction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/sk/?id=100486 |title=Skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi | Emporis.com |publisher=Emporis.com |date=15 June 2009 |accessdate=2009-07-25}}</ref> |
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====Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque==== |
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{{Main|Sheikh Zayed Mosque}} |
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[[File:Front of Sheikh Zayed Mosque.jpg|thumb|Front and entrance of the [[Sheikh Zayed Mosque]]]] |
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One of the most important architectural landmarks is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This is arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society—and one of the most opulent in the world. It was initiated by the late president of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fondly thought of as the father of the UAE.<ref name="szgmc.ae">SZGMC www.szgmc.ae</ref> |
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Its design and construction reportedly 'unites the world', using artisans and materials from many countries including Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece and of course the United Arab Emirates. More than 3,000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in the construction of the mosque. Natural materials were chosen for much of its design and construction due to their long-lasting qualities, including marble, stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics. Construction began on 5 November 1996. The maximum capacity is approximately 41,000 people and the overall structure is 22,412 square metres, the internal prayer halls were initially opened in December 2007.<ref name="szgmc.ae"/> |
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As one of the most visited buildings in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center was established to manage the day-to-day operations, as a place of worship and Friday gathering and as a centre of learning and discovery through its education and visitor programs.<ref>[http://www.szgmc.ae/en/ Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque Center]</ref> |
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===Parks and gardens=== |
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Abu Dhabi has over 2,000 well-maintained parks and gardens<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=157185 |title= Capital Gardens, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |publisher=Whatsonwhen |date=4 April 2007 |accessdate=2009-07-25}}</ref> and more than {{convert|400|km|0|abbr=off}} of coastline, of which {{convert|10|km|0|abbr=off}} are [[Beach|public beaches]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/what.to.do/beaches.and.coasts.aspx |title=Welcome to Abu Dhabi - Beaches and Coasts |publisher=Visitabudhabi.ae |date= |accessdate=2009-07-25}}</ref> |
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<center><gallery> |
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File:A view from Heritage Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE..JPG|A view from Heritage Park |
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File:Turmeric plants at the Heritage Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|Turmeric plants at the Heritage Park |
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File:Inside the Heritage Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|Inside the Heritage Park |
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File:Directions Poll at the Heritage Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|Directions Poll at the Heritage Park |
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File:Watch Tower at the Heritage Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|Watch Tower at the Heritage Park |
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</gallery></center> |
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==Economy== |
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{{Main|Economy of the United Arab Emirates}} |
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[[File:The ADCB Bank at Electra Street, Abu Dhabi.JPG|thumb|The ADCB Bank Headquarters]] |
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The UAE’s large hydrocarbon wealth gives it one of the highest GDP per capita in the world and Abu Dhabi owns the majority of these resources – 95% of the oil and 6% of gas. Abu Dhabi thus holds 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves (98.2bn barrels) and almost 5% of the world’s natural gas (5.8 trillion cu metres). Oil production in the UAE was in the region of 2.3m barrels per day (bpd) in 2010,<ref>{{Cite journal |
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|url=http://omrpublic.iea.org/supply/ue_cr_ov.pdf |
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|title=UAE Crude Oil Supply 4 year overlay |
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|work=Oil Market Report |
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|publisher=International Energy Agency |
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|accessdate=20 June 2011 }}</ref> |
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and projects are in progress to boost production to 3m bpd. In recent years the focus has turned to gas as increasing domestic consumption for power, desalination and reinjection of gas into oil fields increases demand. Gas extraction is not without its difficulties, however, as demonstrated by the sour gas project at Shah where the gas is rich in hydrogen sulphide content and is expensive to develop and process.<ref name=AB/> |
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[[File:The Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|thumb|The Heritage Village]] |
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Recently the government has been diversifying their economic plans. Served by high oil prices, the country’s non-oil and gas GDP has outstripped that attributable to the energy sector. Remarkably, non-oil and gas GDP now constitutes 64% of the UAE’s total GDP. This trend is reflected in Abu Dhabi with substantial new investment in [[industry]], [[real estate]], [[tourism]] and [[Retailing|retail]]. As Abu Dhabi is the largest oil producer of the UAE, it has reaped the most benefits from this trend. It has taken on an active diversification and liberalisation programme to reduce the UAE’s reliance on the hydrocarbon sector. This is evident in the emphasis on industrial diversification with the completion of free zones, Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, [[twofour54]] Abu Dhabi media free zone and the construction of another, ICAD II, in the pipeline. There has also been a drive to promote the tourism and real estate sectors with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Development Investment Company undertaking several large-scale development projects. These projects will be served by an improved transport infrastructure with a new port, an expanded airport and a proposed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai all in the development stages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/191913051.html |title=Abu Dhabi - Economic Base Diversifying |publisher=Entrepreneur.com |date=5 January 2009 |accessdate=2009-07-07}}</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest emirate of the UAE in terms of [[Gross domestic product|Gross Domestic Product]] (GDP) and [[per capita income]]. More than $1 trillion is invested worldwide in this city alone. In 2010, the GDP [[per capita]] also reached $49,600, which ranks ninth in the world after [[Qatar]], [[Liechtenstein]] and [[Luxembourg]] and many others. [[Taxation in the United Arab Emirates|Taxation in Abu Dhabi]], as in the rest of the UAE, is nil for a resident and for a non-bank, non-oil company. Abu Dhabi is also planning many future projects sharing with the [[Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf]] (GCC) and taking 29% of all the GCC future plannings. The United Arab Emirates is a fast-growing economy: in 2006 the [[per capita income]] grew by 9%, providing a GDP per capita of $49,700 and ranking third in the world at [[purchasing power parity]]. Abu Dhabi's [[sovereign wealth fund]], the [[Abu Dhabi Investment Authority]] (ADIA), currently estimated at [[United States dollar|US$]] 875 billion, is the world's wealthiest sovereign fund in terms of total asset value.<ref name=adia>[http://www.economist.com/finance/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10533428 Asset-backed insecurity]. The Economist. 17 January 2008</ref> [[Etihad Airways]] maintains its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.<ref>"[http://www.etihadairways.com/sites/etihad/us/en/aboutetihad/OurOffices/Pages/offices.aspx Our offices]." ''[[Etihad Airways]]''. Retrieved on 6 February 2009.</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi's government is looking to expand revenue from oil and gas production to tourism and other sorts of features which would attract different types of people. This goal is seen in the amount of attention Abu Dhabi is giving to its International Airport. The airport, in 2009, experienced a 30%+ growth in passenger usage.<ref name=autogenerated4>[http://forbescustom.com/EconomicDevelopmentPgs/AbuDhabiP1.html]. Forbes Custom. 8 April 2011</ref> This idea of diversification of the economy is also seen in the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030<ref name=autogenerated2>[http://www.upc.gov.ae/abu-dhabi-2030.aspx?lang=en-US]. Abu Dhabi 2030. 8 April 2011</ref> planned by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council. In this plan Abu Dhabi's economy will be sustainable and not be dependent on any one facet or source of revenue. More specifically the non-oil portion of income is planned to be increased from about 40% to about 60%.<ref name="adia"/> |
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==Utility services== |
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{{See also|Water supply and sanitation in Abu Dhabi}} |
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The water supply in Abu Dhabi is managed by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company. As of 2006, it supplied 560.2 MiGD (million [[imperial gallon]]s per day) of water,<ref>[http://www.adwec.ae/statistics/pdf/98-06/Water_Tables_Part2.PDF 2006 statistical report indd]{{dead link|date=June 2011}} (PDF), adwec.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> while the water demand for 2005–06 was estimated to be 511 MiGD.<ref>[http://www.soe.ae/Abu_Themespage.aspx?m=50&amid=488 State of the Environment Abu Dhabi - Themes - Water]{{dead link|date=June 2011}}. Soe.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD) states that groundwater is the most significant source of water, as well as desalinated potable water, and treated sewage effluent. At 40.6 MiGD, the Umm Al Nar storage is the largest water source for Abu Dhabi, followed by the rivers Shuweihat and Taweelah.<ref>[http://www.adwec.ae/statistics/pdf/98-06/Water_Tables_Part1.PDF 2006 statistical report indd]{{dead link|date=June 2011}} (PDF), adwec.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> With falling groundwater level and rising population density, Abu Dhabi faces a severely acute water shortage. |
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On average each Abu Dhabi resident uses {{convert|550|L|impgal U.S.gal}} of water per day.<ref>[http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090322/NATIONAL/684266544/1080 Abu Dhabi faces water crisis - The National Newspaper]. Thenational.ae (22 March 2009). Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi daily produces 1,532 [[tonne]]s of solid wastes which is dumped at three landfill sites by Abu Dhabi Municipality.<ref>[http://www.agedi.ae/SOEAssessment/EnvironmentalPolicyandRegulation/SOE%20Results/waste.pdf Agedi.ae]{{dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref><ref name="soe.ae">[http://www.soe.ae/Abu_Themespage.aspx?m=237 State of the Environment Abu Dhabi - Themes - Waste]{{dead link|date=June 2011}}, Soe.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> The daily domestic waste water production is 330 MiGD and industrial waste water is 40 MiGD. A large portion of the sewerage flows as waste into streams, and separation plants.<ref name="soe.ae"/> |
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The city's per capita electricity consumption is about 41,000 kWh and the total supplied is 8,367 MW as of 2007.<ref>[http://www.adwec.ae/statistics/pdf/98-06/Electricity_Charts2006.PDF 2006 statistical report indd]{{dead link|date=June 2011}} (PDF), adwec.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> The distribution of electricity is carried out by companies run by SCIPCO Power and APC Energy.<ref>[http://www.adwec.ae/statistics/pdf/98-06/Electricity_Tables_Part1.PDF 2006 statistical report indd]{{dead link|date=June 2011}} (PDF), adwec.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref><ref>[http://www.adwec.ae/statistics/pdf/98-06/Electricity_Tables_Part2.PDF 2006 statistical report indd]{{dead link|date=June 2011}} (PDF), adwec.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> |
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The Abu Dhabi Fire Service runs 13 fire stations that attend about 2,000 fire and rescue calls per year. |
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State-owned [[Etisalat]] and private [[Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company|du]] communication companies provide telephone and cell phone service to the city. Cellular coverage is extensive, and both GSM and CDMA (from Etisalat and Du) services are available. [[Etisalat]], the government owned telecommunications provider, held a virtual [[monopoly]] over telecommunication services in Abu Dhabi prior to the establishment of other, smaller telecommunications companies such as Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC — better known as [[Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company|Du]]) in 2006. [[Internet]] was introduced into Abu Dhabi in 1995. The current network is supported by a [[Bandwidth (computing)|bandwidth]] of 6 [[Gigabyte|GB]], with 50,000 [[Dial-up Internet access|dialup]] and 150,000 [[Broadband Internet access|broadband]] [[Computer port (hardware)|ports]]. |
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Etisalat recently announced implementing a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Abu Dhabi during the third quarter of 2009 to make the emirate the world's first city to have such a network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/4/Pages/18042009/04192009_26fb1a58877b40f09494c1f21817769e.aspx |title=Breaking News, UAE, GCC, Middle East, World News and Headlines - Emirates 24/7 |publisher=Business24-7.ae |date= |accessdate=2012-02-23}}</ref> |
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==City planning== |
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[[File:Abu Dhabi on 27 December 2007 Pict 13.jpg|thumb|left|A Public Park in the city]] |
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[[File:Public park in Abu Dhabi.JPG|thumb|Public park in Abu Dhabi]] |
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[[File:Greeneries on the roadside near the Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|thumb|left|Greeneries on the roadside near the Corniche Beach]] |
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[[File:AbuDhabi06.JPG|thumb|Waterfront park in Abu Dhabi]] |
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[[File:One of the sit out roofs in the Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|thumb|At the corniche during sunset]] |
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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.<ref>[http://www.officeplusuae.com/company/contactus.php Mention of City Grid Patterns]</ref> |
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On the northerly end of the island, where the population density is highest, the main streets are lined with 20- to 30-story towers. Inside this rectangle of towers is a normal grid pattern of roads with lower density buildings (2-story villas or 6-story low-rise buildings). |
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Abu Dhabi 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 is known in the region for its greenery; the former desert strip today includes numerous parks and gardens. The design of the inner city roads and main roads are quite organised. Starting from the Corniche, all horizontal streets are oddly and the vertical ones evenly numbered. Thus, the Corniche is Street #1, Khalifa is Street #3, Hamdan is Street #5,Electra street is Street #7 and so on. Conversely, [[Salam Street]] is St #8.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google Map of Abu Dhabi |url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=abu+dhabi&ie=UTF8&ll=24.48543,54.374685&spn=0.022264,0.047035&z=14&iwloc=addr&om=1&output=embed&s=AARTsJrE00-YUggvMJHd59dndcY7Dx3zCA |publisher=Google Maps}}</ref> |
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Mail is generally delivered to post-office boxes only; however, there is door-to-door delivery for commercial organizations. |
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There are many parks throughout the city. Entrance is usually free for children, however there is often an entrance fee for adults. The Corniche, the city's seaside promenade, is about {{convert|7|km|mi}} in length, with gardens, playgrounds, and a BMX/skateboard ring.<ref>[http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/what.to.see/attractions/abu.dhabi.corniche.aspx The Corniche]</ref> |
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In 2007 the [[Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council]] (UPC) was established, which is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi’s urban environments and the expert authority behind the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan that was published in September 2007.<ref>[http://www.upc.gov.ae/abu-dhabi-2030.aspx?lang=en-US Abu Dhabi UPC]</ref> The UPC is also working on similar plans for the regions of Al-Ain and Al-Gharbia. |
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Because of the rapid development of Abu Dhabi, a number of challenges to the city's urban organization have developed, among them: |
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* Today, the city's population far surpasses the original estimated maximum population when it was designed. This causes traffic congestion, a shortage of car parking spaces, and overcrowding. |
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* Although there is an addressing system for the city, it is not widely used, causing problems in describing building locations. Directions must often be given based on nearby landmarks. |
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==Demographics== |
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{{Historical populations |
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|align=left |
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|1960|25000 |1965|50000 |1969|46400 |1975|127763 |1980|243257 |1985|283361 |1995|398695 |2003|552000 |2009|896751 |
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|footnote = The town of Abu Dhabi first conducted a census in 1968. All population figures in this table prior to 1968 are estimates obtained from populstat.info.<br/>Sources:<ref name="wg"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.populstat.info/Asia/unarabet.htm |title=The UNITED ARAB EMIRATES : urban population |publisher=Populstat.info |date= |accessdate=2011-09-15}}</ref><ref>[http://tedad.ae/english/statistic/main_cities.html Census 2005<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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}} |
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According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy, in 2006 the population of the emirate was 1,463,491.<ref>[http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/uae.facts.and.figures/population.aspx Welcome to Abu Dhabi - Population<!-- Bot generated title -->], visitabudhabi.ae</ref> |
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As the emirate covers {{convert|67341|km2|abbr=on}}, nearly 87% of the UAE, the population density is {{convert|21.73|/km2|abbr=on}}, making it the largest emirate in the UAE.<ref>[http://www.uae-mission.ae/mission/iaea/Content/1134 UAE Permanent Mission in Vienna » The UAE-Seven Emirates<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi also ranks as the [[List of most expensive cities for expatriate employees|67th most expensive city in the world]], and the second most in the region behind [[Dubai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gulfnews.com/business/Banking_and_Finance/10329281.html |title=Gulfnews: Cost of living rises for expats in Abu Dhabi and Dubai |publisher=Archive.gulfnews.com |date= |accessdate=2009-07-07}}</ref> |
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As of 2001, 25.6% of the population of the emirate was made up of UAE nationals. Approximately 74.4% of the population was expatriates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cla.ca/conference/2007/presentations/SybilWorkinginAbuDhabi.pdf |title=Working in Abu Dhabi |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2009-07-07}}</ref> The median age in the emirate was about 30.1 years. The crude birth rate, as of 2005, was 13.6%, while the crude death rate was about 2%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abudhabi.info/?page_id=7 |title=The People : AbuDhabi |publisher=Abudhabi.info |date= |accessdate=2009-07-07}}</ref> |
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Article 7 of the UAE's Provisional Constitution declares [[Islam]] the official [[state religion]] of the UAE.<ref>[http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/3381877?uid=3739600&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101445200241 UAE Constitution Article 7]</ref> The government subsidizes almost 95% of mosques and employs all imams. |
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The majority of the inhabitants of Abu Dhabi are expatriate workers from India, Pakistan, [[Eritrea]], [[Ethiopia]], [[Somalia]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Philippines]], the United Kingdom and various countries from across the Arab world.<ref>[http://www.expatarrivals.com/abu-dhabi/moving-to-abu-dhabi Abu Dhabi Expats]</ref> Consequently, English, [[Hindi]], [[Urdu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Somali language|Somali]], [[Tigrinya language|Tigrinya]], [[Amharic]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]] are widely spoken.<ref>[http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-abu-dhabi-language Abu Dhabi Languages]</ref> Apart from Urdu and [[Standard Hindi|Hindi]] spoken by Indians and Pakistanis, many South Asian expatriates also contribute other South Asian languages to the cultural milieu, including Malayalam, the main language spoken in the Indian state [[Kerala]]. |
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The native-born population are [[Arabic language|Arabic]]-speaking [[Arab people|Arabs]] who are part of a clan-based society. The Al Nahyan family, part of the al-Falah branch of the Bani Yas clan, rules the emirate and has a central place in society.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/11/mansour-al-nahayan-billionaires-2009-billionaires-abu-dhabi.html Al Nahyan Family]</ref> |
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{{Clear}} |
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{{See also|Indians in the United Arab Emirates|Islam in the United Arab Emirates|Roman Catholicism in the United Arab Emirates|Bahá'í Faith in the United Arab Emirates}} |
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==Transportation== |
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{{Update|section|date=October 2013}} |
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{{Main|Transport in the United Arab Emirates}} |
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[[Abu Dhabi International Airport]] (AUH) is the city's main aviation hub and the second busiest airport in the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], serving 9.02 million passengers in 2008, up 30.2% from 2007.<ref name="abudhabiairport.ae">[http://www.abudhabiairport.ae/news/news20090118.asp Welcome To Abu Dhabi International Airport]. Abudhabiairport.ae. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref><ref name="abudhabiairport.ae"/> Its terminal spaces are dominated by [[Etihad Airways]] which is the UAE's national carrier and the country's second largest airline.<ref>[http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Company_News/E/Etihad_Airways/ Etihad Airways]. Ameinfo.com. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> A new terminal opened in 2009 with total capacity reaching 12 million passengers per annum by 2011.<ref>[http://www.meed.com/news/2009/04/abu_dhabi_international_capacity_reaches_12_million_as_terminal_3_fully_operati.html Abu Dhabi International capacity reaches 12 million as Terminal 3 fully operational]. Meed.com (7 April 2009). Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> Development work has also started on a new passenger terminal, to be situated between the two runways and known as the Midfield Terminal. The new mega-midfield terminal complex will be capable of handling an additional 20 million passengers a year initially and then later, as Abu Dhabi develops as a major Middle East transport hub, up to 50 million passengers a year, thus providing a major competition to [[Dubai International Airport]].<ref>[http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/abu_dhabi/ Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH/OMAA)]. Airport Technology. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> The {{convert|5.9|e6m2|acre|adj=on}} terminal will initially include 42 gates, rising to more than 90 gates on completion of the airport.<ref>[http://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news.php?NewsID=5409 Passenger Terminal Today]. Passenger Terminal Today (12 May 2008). Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> |
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[[File:A City Bus in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|thumb|The City Bus]] |
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Public transport systems in Abu Dhabi include the Abu Dhabi public buses, [[taxis]], [[Ferry|ferries]], and [[airplane]]s.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mehmet Kahveci |url=http://www.turizm.com/abu-dhabi/ |title=Abu Dhabi Travel Guide | Turizm.com: Your One-stop Travel Partner |publisher=Turizm.com |date= |accessdate=2013-03-12}}</ref> |
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White-and-mustard metered taxis traverse most of the city in UAE. Currently newer silver-coloured taxis are coming in, while the old mustard-coloured ones are being phased out.<ref>[http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan.your.trip/getting.around/taxis.aspx Welcome to Abu Dhabi – Taxis]. Visitabudhabi.ae (1 July 2009). Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> |
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Abu Dhabi has about 8,000 old bronze/yellow/gold & white taxis, which will be phased out from 2008 to 2010.<ref>[http://www.dubaifaqs.com/taxi-abu-dhabi.php Abu Dhabi Taxi]. Dubaifaqs.com. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref> |
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[[File:Abu Dhab Taxi.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Abu Dhabi's older taxis are being phased out with newer silver taxis<ref>[http://www.ameinfo.com/136854.html Abu Dhabi celebrates the launching of its new taxi fleet | Taxi and Hire Car Regulation Centre]. Ameinfo.com (26 February 2007). Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref>]] |
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The first town bus entered service in about 1969 but this was all part of a very informal service. There are other inter-city buses departing the Abu Dhabi Dhabi central bus station; these inter-city buses are not only intra-emirate buses, but also inter-emirate services. On 30 June 2008 the Department of Transport began public bus service in Abu Dhabi with four routes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Abu Dhabi bus network |url=http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080629/ONLINESPECIAL/679771484/9999 |publisher=The National |date=29 June 2008 |accessdate=2008-07-12| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20080712070700/http://thenational.ae/article/20080629/ONLINESPECIAL/679771484/9999| archivedate= 12 July 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}{{dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref> There are also public buses serving the airport. In an attempt to entice people to use the bus system, all routes were [[Zero-fare public transport|zero-fare]] until the end of 2008.<ref name="Free">{{cite news |title=All aboard for a free ride |url=http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080630/PAGETHREE/354619655 |publisher=The National |date=30 June 2008 |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> The four routes, which operate between 6 am and midnight every day, run at a frequency of 10 to 20 minutes.<ref name="Free"/> |
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Within the first week of service the bus network had seen high usage. Some of the buses, which have a maximum capacity of 45 passengers, only had room for standing left. Some bus drivers reported as many as 100 passengers on a bus at one time.<ref name="Bulge">{{cite web |last=Kwong |first=Matt |title=Buses bulge with passengers |url=http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080705/NATIONAL/416007683 |publisher=The National |date=5 July 2008 |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> Although the new, zero-fare bus service has been a success, many taxi drivers are losing business. Taxi drivers have seen a considerable decrease in the demand for taxis while lines were forming for the buses.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taxis suffer as bus business booms |url=http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080701/NATIONAL/437959081 |publisher=The National |date=1 July 2008 |accessdate=2008-07-12}}</ref> |
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The service steadily expanded and by the end of 2008, 230 buses were in service. In 2009, the Department of Transport plans to have 21 bus routes in the city, operated by 820 buses. A total of 1,360 buses are expected to be in operation by 2010.<ref name="Bulge"/> |
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A massive expansion of public transport is anticipated within the framework of the government's Surface Transport Master Plan 2030.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mohamed bin Zayed Views ‘The Surface Transport Master Plan 2030’ | url=http://www.dot.abudhabi.ae/index.php?sel_page=310&id=28&lang=en |publisher='Department of Transport, Abu Dhabi'|date=1 April 2009|accessdate=2009-07-22| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090830182043/http://www.dot.abudhabi.ae/index.php?sel_page=310&id=28&lang=en| archivedate= 30 August 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> The expansion is expected to see {{convert|130|km|mi|abbr=on}} of metro and {{convert|340|km|mi|abbr=on}} of [[Abu Dhabi tram|tramways]] and/or bus rapid transit (BRT) routes. |
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{{See also|Abu Dhabi Bus service}} |
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==Culture== |
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{{Main|Culture of the United Arab Emirates}} |
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[[File:abudabi1.jpg|thumb| Historic photo of the Abu Dhabi Public Library and Cultural Centre, with the Qasr Al Hosn palace in the background]] |
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[[File:Arabic Hut in Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi.JPG|thumb|Typical Arabic house displayed at the Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi]] |
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Abu Dhabi has a diverse and multicultural society.<ref name=migrationinformation>[http://www.migrationinformation.org/dataHub/GCMM/Dubaidatasheet.pdf "Country and Metropolitan Stats in Brief"]. MPI Data Hub</ref> The city's cultural imprint as a small, ethnically homogeneous [[pearl hunting|pearling]] community was changed with the arrival of other [[ethnic group]]s and nationals—first by the [[Iranian peoples|Iranians]] in the early 1900s, and later by Indians and Pakistanis in the 1960s. Abu Dhabi has been criticized for perpetuating a class-based society, where [[Foreign worker|migrant workers]] are in the [[Social class|lower classes]], and suffer abuse which is "is endemic to the system".<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/the-dark-side-of-dubai-1664368.html The Dark Side of Dubai], [[Johann Hari]], [[The Independent]], 7 April 2009.</ref> Despite the diversity of the population, only minor and infrequent episodes of [[Ethnic hatred|ethnic tensions]], primarily between expatriates, have been reported in the city.{{citation needed|date=September 2013}} Major holidays in Abu Dhabi include ''[[Eid ul-Fitr|Eid al Fitr]]'', which marks the end of ''[[Ramadan]]'', Eid ul-Adha which marks the end of Hajj, and [[National Day (United Arab Emirates)|National Day]] (2 December), which marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gowealthy.com/gowealthy/wcms/en/home/articles/entertainment/events-and-festivals/Official-holidays-in-UAE-kvOQ0zrKKl.html|title=Official holidays in UAE|publisher=Gowealthy.com|date=|accessdate=2009-07-15}}</ref> |
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[[File:At the ADIPEC 2013.JPG|thumb|left|At the ADIPEC 2013]] |
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This unique [[socioeconomic development]] in the Persian Gulf has meant that Abu Dhabi is generally more tolerant than its neighbours, including Saudi Arabia.<ref>[http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2005/51612.htm UAE Religious Freedom]</ref> Emaritis have been known for their tolerance; [[Christian]] [[church (building)|churches]], [[Hindu temple]]s, and [[Gurdwara|Sikh gurdwaras]] (but no synagogues) can be found alongside [[mosque]]s. The cosmopolitan atmosphere is gradually growing and as a result, there are a variety of Asian and Western schools, cultural centers and themed restaurants. |
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Abu Dhabi is home to a number of cultural institutions including the [[Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation|Cultural Foundation]] and the National Theater. The Cultural Foundation, while closed for reconstruction as of spring 2011, is home to the [[UAE Public Library and Cultural Center]].<ref>[http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p10620&lang=en UAE Public Library]</ref> Various cultural societies such as the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society have a strong and visible following in the city. The recently launched [[Emirates Foundation]] offers grants in support of the arts, as well as to advance science and technology, education, environmental protection and social development. The International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF) will be based in Abu Dhabi. The city also stages hundreds of conferences and exhibitions each year in its state-of-the-art venues, including the [[Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre]] (ADNEC) which is the Persian Gulf's largest exhibition center and welcomes around 1.8 million visitors every year.<ref>http://www.adnec.ae ADNEC Website</ref> |
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The [[Red Bull Air Race World Championship|Red Bull Air Race World Series]] has been a spectacular sporting staple for the city for many years, bringing tens of thousands to the waterfront.<ref>[http://www.redbullairrace.com/cs/Satellite/en_air/Article/Red-Bull-Air-Race-airport-officially-opens-in-Abu-Dhabi-021242827336782 Red Bull Air Race]</ref> Another major event is the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). |
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[[File:The Royal International Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|thumb|left|The Royal International Hotel]] |
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[[File:Hotel Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche in Abu Dhabi, UAE.JPG|thumb|Sofitel Abu Dhabi]] |
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The diversity of [[cuisine]] in Abu Dhabi is a reflection of the cosmopolitan nature of the society. Arab food is very popular and is available everywhere in the city, from the small [[shawarma]] to the upscale restaurants in the city's many hotels. [[Fast food]] and [[South Asian cuisine]] are also very popular and are widely available. The sale and consumption of [[pork]], though not illegal, is regulated and it is sold only to non-[[Muslim]]s in designated areas.<ref name=pork>[http://www.stat-usa.gov/agworld.nsf/505c55d16b88351a852567010058449b/898e8206171d628385256d02006df0d7/$FILE/TC3003.PDF Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards]{{dead link|date=June 2011}}. ''GAIN Report''. United States Department of Agriculture</ref> Similarly, the sale of [[alcohol|alcoholic beverages]] is regulated. A liquor permit is required to purchase alcohol; however, alcohol, although available in bars and restaurants within [[Star (classification)|four]] or [[Star (classification)|five star]] hotels, is not sold as widely as in its more liberal neighbour Dubai.<ref name=alcohol>{{Wayback |date=20080226222520 |url=http://www.marketnewzealand.com/common/files/dubai-cg.pdf |title=Welcome to Dubai }} New Zealand Trade and Enterprise</ref> ''[[Hookah|Shisha]]'' and ''[[coffee|qahwa]]'' boutiques are also popular in Abu Dhabi. |
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Poetry in Abu Dhabi and the UAE is highly regarded and often is centric around the themes of satire, religion, family, chivalry and love. According to an article from an Abu Dhabi tourism page, sheikhs, teachers, sailors and princes make a large bulk of the poets within the UAE. A unique form of poetry to the UAE was formed in the 8th century by Al Khalil bin Ahmed and it was written in 16 meters. The first known poet from the UAE, Ibn Majid, was born sometime between 1432 and 1437 in Ras Al Khaimah. According to the tourism page Majid came from a family of sailors and 40 of his works have survived. Another Emirati poet, [[Ibn Daher]] is from the 17th century. Daher is important because he used Nabati poetry (AKA Bedouin poetry), poetry written in the vernacular instead of the classical/religious Arabic. Other important poets from the UAE are Mubarak Al Oqaili (1880–1954), Salem bin Ali al Owais (1887–1959) and Abdulla bin Sulayem (1905–1976). These poets made headway in the field of Classical Arabic poetry as opposed to the Nabati poetry of the 17th century.<ref>{{cite web|title=Literature and Poetry|url=http://www.visitabudhabi.ae|work=Welcome to Abu Dhabi|accessdate=28 February 2011|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110207225805/http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/|archivedate=7 February 2011 <!--DASHBot-->|deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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One of Ibn Masjid's most prominent works is a book called, Kitab al-Fawa'id fi Usul 'Ilm al-Bahr wa 'l-Qawa'id (Book of Useful Information on the Principles and Rules of Navigation), and it was written in 1490. This book is effectually an encyclopædia about navigation and sailing in and around the Indian Ocean. Masjid also goes into detail about the intricacies and technologies of the Arab sailing techniques. An excerpt from his book is: |
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{{Quote_box|width=55%|align=right|quote="We have 32 rhumbs, and tirfa, and zam, and the measurement of stellar altitudes, but they have not. They cannot understand the way we navigate, but we can understand the way they do; we can use their system and sail in their ships. For the Indian Ocean is connected to the All-Encompassing Ocean, and we possess scientific books that give stellar altitudes, but they do not have a knowledge of stellar altitudes; they have no science and no books, only the compass and dead reckoning… We can easily sail in their ships and upon their sea, so they have great respect for us and look up to us. They admit we have a better knowledge of the sea and navigation and the wisdom of the stars."|source=Ahmad Ibn Majid on European Navigation<ref name="hero">[http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com The Navigator: Ahmad Ibn Majid], Saudi Aramco World, accessed 28 February 2011.</ref>}} |
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Today in Abu Dhabi there is a group called the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation that works to preserve the art and culture of the city. According to an article from the English Pen Atlas Al jawaher wal la'li was the first manuscript to come out of the UAE. According to another article this book was written in the 1990s and was banned in the city for some time for making accusations about the ruling family.<ref>{{cite web|title=UAE|url=http://penatlas.org/online|work=English Pen World Atlas|accessdate=28 February 2011}}</ref> |
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{{See also|Cultural Policy in Abu Dhabi}} |
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==Education== |
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{{Main|Education in Abu Dhabi}} |
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Abu Dhabi is home to international and local private [[school]]s<ref>{{cite web|title=Schools in Abu Dhabi|url=http://www.edarabia.com/schools/abu-dhabi/}}</ref> and [[universities]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Universities in Abu Dhabi|url=http://www.edarabia.com/universities/abu-dhabi/}}</ref> including government-sponsored [[United Arab Emirates University]] in Al-Ain, [[New York University]], [[New York Institute of Technology]], [[Higher Colleges of Technology]], [[New York Film Academy]], [[Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi]] and [[Abu Dhabi University]] in Abu Dhabi. These boast several languages that make up the population of the city. For example, the Abu Dhabi Indian School follows the CBSE Indian syllabus. [[INSEAD]], the prestigious international business school, established a campus in February 2010, offering an Executive MBA and executive education courses. [[New York University]] opened a government-sponsored satellite campus in Abu Dhabi in September 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Timm |first=Jane C. |url=http://nyunews.com/news/2010/09/13/13abudhabi/ |title="NYU Abu Dhabi: the story from concept to classroom", ''Washington Square News'' |publisher=Nyunews.com |date=13 September 2010 |accessdate=2012-02-23}}</ref> There are institutes such as Altaaat<ref>{{cite web|title=Altaaat|url=http://www.altaaat.com/}}</ref> Leadership Development Institute providing training to local people serving in the private, public and education sectors of Abu Dhabi. |
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All schools in the emirate are under the authority of the [[Abu Dhabi Education Council]]. This organization oversees and administers public schools and licenses and inspects private schools. From 2009, the Council has brought over thousands of licensed teachers from native English speaking countries to support their New School Model Program in government schools. |
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[[Abu Dhabi Education Council]] (ADEC) maintains a comprehensive after-school program for interested and talented jiu-jitsu students.<ref>[http://www.adec.ac.ae/en/news/36-winners-awarded-at-abu-dhabi-public-schools-jiu-jitsu-cup.html "36 Winners Awarded at Abu Dhabi Public Schools Jiu-Jitsu Cup", Abu Dhabi Education Council, retrieved 2010-08-22.]{{dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref> The Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Schools Program began in 2008 under the patronage of [[Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan|H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan]], who is a keen [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] competitor. The program launched in 14 schools for pupils in grades 6 and 7 and has since expanded to 42 government schools, with 81 Brazilian coaches brought in as instructors.<ref>[http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100706/NATIONAL/707059797/-1/rss "Judo federation wants younger state pupils to take up the sport", ''The National'', retrieved 2010-08-22].</ref> |
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Students from 9 to 13 years old are taught [[Brazilian jiu-jitsu]] as part of the curriculum. The plan is for up to 500 schools to be participating in the school-jitsu program by 2015. The project was set up by special request of HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the head coach of the Emirates jiu-jitsu team [[Carlos "Carlão" Santos|Carlos Santos]], now also the managing director of the School-Jitsu Project.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abudhabiweek.ae/city-latest/19-sport-articles/85-brazilian-instructors-boost-school-jitsu-scheme |title=Brazilian instructors boost School-Jitsu scheme|publisher= Abu Dhabi Week |date=13 August 2009 |accessdate=2012-02-23}}</ref> |
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Every year in the season of admissions an exhibition is launched in Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center under the supervision of the government.<ref>[http://www.adnec.ae/adnec/whatson/eventdetails/najah-education-training-careers-2012 ADNEC education]</ref> Universities from every corner of the world exhibit their career programs and scholarship programs for globally bright students. This seems to be a well-defined platform for the students of all nationalities. Heriot-Watt University, University of Bolton, Cambridge University, Oxford University, the Petroluem Institute, Khalifa University and Abu Dhabi University attend. |
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==Abu Dhabi Grand Prix== |
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{{main | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix}} |
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Abu Dhabi hosts F1 race every year during the time of November/December starting from 2009 onwards, at the [[Yas Marina Circuit]], which is considered to be the richest [[F1]] race track in the world.<ref>http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com Yas Marina Circuit</ref> Motorsport is popular throughout the country and the circuit has also hosted other events such as the [[V8 Supercars]] series. |
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==International relations== |
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{{Main|List_of_twin_towns_and_sister_cities_in_Asia#United_Arab_Emirates_.28UAE.29|l1=List of twin towns and cities in United Arab Emirates}} |
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===Twin towns and cities=== |
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Abu Dhabi is [[Town twinning|twinned]] with: |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- valign="top" |
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| |
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*{{flagicon|PLE}} [[Bethlehem]], [[Palestinian National Authority|Palestinian Authority]]<ref name="BethlehemTwinning">{{cite web |url=http://www.bethlehem-city.org/Twining.php |title=Bethlehem Municipality |publisher=www.bethlehem-city.org |accessdate=2009-10-10 }}</ref> |
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*{{flagicon|ESP}} [[Madrid]], Spain <small>''(2007)''<ref name="hermanadas">{{cite web | title = Mapa Mundi de las ciudades hermanadas | publisher = Ayuntamiento de Madrid | url = http://www.munimadrid.es/portal/site/munimadrid/menuitem.dbd5147a4ba1b0aa7d245f019fc08a0c/?vgnextoid=4e84399a03003110VgnVCM2000000c205a0aRCRD&vgnextchannel=4e98823d3a37a010VgnVCM100000d90ca8c0RCRD&vgnextfmt=especial1&idContenido=1da69a4192b5b010VgnVCM100000d90ca8c0RCRD | accessdate = 2009-07-22}}</ref></small> |
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*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Houston]], [[Texas]], United States <small>''(2002)''<ref>[http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/Abu_Dhabi_Houston_to_sign_Sister_City_pact/5673.htm Abu Dhabi, Houston to sign 'Sister City' pact UAE - The Official Web Site - News]. Uaeinteract.com. Retrieved on 2009-07-16.</ref></small> |
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*{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Brisbane]], Australia <small>''(since 2009)''<ref>[http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20090203063026923/Abu%20Dhabi,%20Brisbane%20ink%20sister%20city%20agreement/ Zawya.com] Abu Dhabi, Brisbane ink sister city agreement</ref></small> |
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*{{flagicon|PAK}} [[Islamabad]], Pakistan |
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*{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Minsk]], [[Belarus]] <small>''(since 2007)''<ref name="Minsk">{{cite web|url=http://minsk.gov.by/ru/city/|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20130502075333/http://minsk.gov.by/ru/city/|title=Twin towns and Sister cities of Minsk ''[via WaybackMachine.com]''|publisher=The department of protocol and international relations of Minsk City Executive Committee|archivedate=2 May 2013|accessdate=2013-07-21|language=Russian}}</ref></small> |
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*{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Nicosia]], [[Cyprus]] <small>''(since 2004)''</small> |
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*{{flagicon|CHI}} [[Iquique]], [[Chile]] |
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*{{flagicon|INA}} [[Jakarta]], [[Indonesia]] |
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*{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Roskilde]], [[Denmark]] <small>''(since 2011)''</small> |
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|} |
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==See also== |
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{{portal|Abu Dhabi|Asia|Middle East|United Arab Emirates}} |
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* [[Aldar headquarters building]] |
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* [[Department of Municipal Affairs (Abu Dhabi)]] |
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* [[Dubai-Abu Dhabi Highway]] |
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* [[Marawah, United Arab Emirates|Marawah]] |
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* [[National Center for Documentation and Research]] |
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* [[Postage stamps and postal history of Abu Dhabi]] |
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{{clear}} |
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==References== |
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{{reflist|30em}} |
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==External links== |
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{{Sister project links|voy=Abu Dhabi|wikt=Abu Dhabi}} |
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* [http://www.adm.gov.ae/en/Menu/index.aspx?MenuID=59&CatID=119&mnu=Cat&div=Cat Municipality of Abu Dhabi City] |
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* [http://www.abudhabi.ae/ Abu Dhabi information portal], abudhabi.ae |
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* [http://www.dma.abudhabi.ae/ Department of Municipal Affairs Portal], abudhabi.ae |
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*{{dmoz|Regional/Middle_East/United_Arab_Emirates/Abu_Dhabi}} |
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* [https://www.govjobs.ae/ Jobs in Abu Dhabi] |
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* [http://www.dot.abudhabi.ae/index.php?sel_page=310&id=28&lang=en 2030 transport master plan], dot.abudhabi.ae |
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* [http://rakbankdirect.ae/wps/portal/home/rbd-home/ Banking in Abu Dhabi], rakbankdirect.ae |
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* [https://www.facebook.com/AUH.UAE Abu Dhabi Facebook Page], facebook.com |
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* [http://www.abudhabipage.com/ Abu Dhabi Community Page], abudhabipage.com |
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* [http://www.edarabia.com/uae/ Abu Dhabi Education News] |
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* [http://www.desertsafariabudhabitour.com/abu-dhabi-desert-safari/ Main Tourist Attractions] |
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* [https://www.hertz.ae/rentacar/rental-car/car-lease Long Term Car Rental in UAE] |
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* [http://www.adaa.abudhabi.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx/ Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority] |
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{{Navboxes |
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{{Emirates of the United Arab Emirates}} |
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{{List of Asian capitals by region}} |
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{{Capitals of Arab countries}} |
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{{Abu Dhabi}} |
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{{Developments in Abu Dhabi}} |
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}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}} |
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[[Category:Abu Dhabi| ]] |
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[[Category:Capitals in Asia]] |
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[[Category:Metropolitan areas of the United Arab Emirates]] |
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[[Category:Populated coastal places in the United Arab Emirates]] |
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[[Category:Populated places in the United Arab Emirates]] |
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[[Category:Port cities in the Arabian Peninsula]] |
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