About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi, the city, is also the federal capital. It lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Arabian Gulf from the central western coast.

The latest census in 2005 indicates a population of 1.29 million. About 80% of the population are expatriate - foreigners from other Arab countries, the Indian sub-continent, Britain, Europe, US, Canada, Australia and many more.
Abu Dhabi city is located at 24.4667° N 54.3667° E. It is about an hour and forty five minute drive on a multilane highway to Dubai.

Al Ain is Abu Dhabi's second largest urban area with a population of 348,000 and is located 150 kilometers inland in the eastern region.

It is famous as an oasis city and as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed. Al Ain is connected to Abu Dhabi and Dubai by a fast highway taking about an hour and a half from either city.

In former days, the trip was done by camels taking five days.

Both onshore and offshore, Abu Dhabi has 10% of the world's oil reserves and 4% of the natural gas reserves. Abu Dhabi has 90% of the UAE oil reserves which, at current rates of production, are expected to last for another 100 years. In contrast, Dubai has about 10% of the reserves expected to last for only another ten years. With the impact of the oil and gas industry, Abu Dhabi became the wealthiest of the seven emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai contribute 80% to the GDP of the country.

Abu Dhabi is pursuing alternative commerce and business to diversify the economy. Plans are in place to increase tourism to the emirate, although they are not as far along in development as Dubai.

The exquisite Emirates Palace Hotel & Conference Center opened its doors in 2005, putting Abu Dhabi on the luxury hotel map for world class travelers and events. Etihad Airways based in Abu Dhabi, is designated the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates and one of the fastest growing airlines in the world.
For more information about Abu Dhabi, go to the Abu Dhabi Tourism site.