Where pearl divers once combed the coast, a capital now stands, seat of government and largest state of the United Arab Emirates. A progressive Arabian city of 1.6 million people, its sandy coastline is dotted with over 200 islands, gently lapped by the azure waters of the south-eastern Arabian Gulf. With the world’s fifth-largest oil reserves, resulting revenue has been multiplied with international investment to total 1 trillion dollars, making Abu Dhabi the world’s richest city.This modern metropolis of glass-fronted tower blocks is dynamically expanding, with over $160 billion of investment over the next 5 years. People from far-flung corners of the world are settling to live and work, enjoying first-class shopping, elegant hotels and cultural attractions. Freedom from income tax is a powerful attraction, as is the year-round sunny climate. The city benefits from a cosmopolitan outlook and liberal economy, with Arabic as the official language and English widely spoken.Landmark new developments are taking shape city-wide. Prominently on the waterfront stands the Arabian architectural marvel, the Emirates Palace Hotel - the world’s most expensive at 3 billion dollars. Its gold-leaf dome is larger than the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and from its ceiling hang 1,000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Soon to be completed is the world’s second-largest mosque, and following that, the new Central Market, a $1.3 billion complex crowned by 3 skyscrapers, rooftop gardens, 2 five-star hotels and the new souk beneath. Large areas of coastline and islands are being sculpted into a multitude of new districts for residences, business, leisure and hotel resorts.Auspiciously placed between Europe and Asia, Abu Dhabi capitalizes on its location with a rapidly-growing international airline. Founded in 2004, Etihad Airways currently connects to 37 destinations across the globe with many more to follow. Their expanding fleet is soon to include 4 giant Airbus A380 aircraft. A unique, forward-looking mix of culture and arts flourishes in the capital, the new Middle-East location for the world-renowned Guggenheim and Louvre galleries. Across the city, large parks and gardens make for a verdant setting for inhabitants to enjoy, complementing developments of both traditional and modern architecture styles. Trees are pervasive here, more than anywhere else in the Gulf - 120 million planted in the Emirate over the last 30 years. Once famed for the world’s best pearls, Abu Dhabi’s maritime culture is preserved in traditional rowing and dhow racing. Wooden boats with white triangular sails make a glorious spectacle in the sunlight. Today fishing and diving are just two of many popular leisure pursuits in the new waterfront lifestyle of Abu Dhabi, increasingly popular as an exclusive tourist destination.
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Abu Dhabi International Airport - 41°F
