About Abu Dhabi
Welcome to the United Arab Emirates, a place of startling contrasts and fascinating culture, where sunny weather, tranquil beaches, vibrant city life, bustling souks and traditional values of hospitality come together to create a holiday experience like no other. The UAE is a very safe Middle-East destination, with the comforts of home and a taste of the exotic.
The choice of hotels and resorts across the country is nothing short of exceptional.
From city apartments to beach and mountain properties, and from exclusive desert resorts to some of the world’s finest and award winning hotels, the service and facilities are of exceptionally high standards.
The earliest significant settlements in the UAE date back to the Bronze Age. Over the past hundreds of years, the country has been exposed to numerous cultural influences including Persian, Greek, Portuguese and British. In the 18th century, the British established a protectorate over the region, but the area remained a backwater for fishermen, pearl divers and Bedouin nomads until the 20th century, when oil was discovered. In 1971, the British withdrew from the region and seven independent sheikhdoms (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah) came together to form the UAE.
The remarkable progress that the United Arab Emirates have made, is comparable to any other bustling metropolis in the world. It includes towering skyscrapers, immaculate urban planning, lush green landscaping, and a truly international population mix with national citizens living in complete harmony with expatriates from all parts of the globe.
This powerful legacy of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE and Father of the Nation, is now being maintained and developed under the wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi is a place of distinction, where deep-rooted Arabian heritage is deftly woven into a rich destination tapestry with an intriguing mix of the past, the present and an exciting future.
According to a legend, Abu Dhabi was named after a gazelle which led a group of tribesmen to a precious water hole, literally meaning 'Father of the Gazelle'.
The Emirate is blessed with a diverse landscape of 400 kilometres of pristine coastline, over 200 natural islands, vast tracts of serene desert, tranquil oasis towns and a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. From luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, superb shopping malls and traditional souks to its architectural marvel, the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, there is much to experience. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island will also be soon home to the world-famous Guggenheim and Louvre museums in addition to the Zayed National Museum, a performing arts centre and a maritime museum.
As a visitor to this enchanting place you will find an abundance of leisure opportunities, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - the world’s largest indoor theme park, Yas Marina Circuit, and Yas Waterworld Aqua Park. Abu Dhabi hosts all year round world-class sporting events, such as Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, PGA European Tour, Abu Dhabi World Tennis Championship, just to name a few, and many art and music festivals with renowned artists and musicians.
In many ways, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is several destinations in one, from the rustic charm of Al Ain, the birthplace of the country's founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the breathtaking vastness of the Liwa Desert in Al Gharbia, with its mountainous dunes, to the energizing pace and brightness of the capital city Abu Dhabi.
For more information, visit: www.AbuDhabiCityGuide.com
