Abu-Dhabi 

The city is an island in the Gulf and linked by two bridges to the mainland with the same name . The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven that comprise the UAE. With an area off 67,340 sq/Km. It forms 86.67 percent of the country's total land surface. 

Established in 1761, Abu Dhabi city has witnessed within the last two decades immense changes that have transformed it from a small town to a modern city. 

Many islands fall within the Emirate's territory . Das, located 170 km north west of the capital ,is 3 sq/km. Mubraz and Sir Bani Yas, 180 km west, are two others. 

The desert dominates the Emirate's terrain covering 70 percent of the total area. In the middle of the Emirate are AlDhafra and Liwa, where greenery abounds and water resources are located. 

Of the seven emirates making up the UAE Abu Dhabi is by far the largest, constituting 80% of the nations land area. This includes some 200 islands. Abu Dhabi city is located on one of these islands and holds all the charm and excitement of a capital city. Although much of the Emirates is desert, Abu Dhabi is a lush, green paradise with wide tree lined Boulevards beautiful parks and scenic vistas. 
 

Outside of Abu Dhabi city most of the emirates is desert with the exception of the oases of Al Ain and Liwa. Liwa is about a five hour drive from the capital city and passes through some of the largest sand dunes in the world. The oasis itself is one of the largest in the Arabian peninsula and the gateway to Rub Al Khali. 

Al Ain is an oasis city and the second largest in the emirates of Abu Dhabi. Having a history dating back to the 4 millenium BC, Al Ain has only grown into the modern city it is today since unification. Planned as a garden city, the visitor is taken by the multitude of roundabouts, each offering a unique display of water, landscaping and sculpture. Boulevards are tree lined and there are no high rise buildings. Al Ain is the home of UAE University, the nations largest museum, a huge zoo, and many parks, gardens and guesthouses. It is also one of the nation’s leading agricultural centres and is now serviced by a new international airport.
 

Back in the city of Abu Dhabi there is no lack of things to do. For those wanting a taste of traditional Arab hospitalitly, a visit to the National Heritage Village offers that and more in traditional huts and tents, one can view the old, harsh way of life of the genuine pearling boat. After seeing the ways of the past you may want to see how Abu Dhabi got to be what it is today. For that, a trip to the petroleum Exhibition will teach you all about the petroleum industry from composition and formation to transporting and refining. 

Abu Dhabi also has its share of parks and gardens, world class shopping, beaches (including one for ladies only), ice-skating, scuba diving, camel racing, antique shops and old forts. The only problem is deciding what to do first. 
 

 

United Arab Emirates