About Abu Dhabi 

Abu Dhabi has always been a special place. But until recently, the emirate remained an undiscovered jewel on the international travel map. Today, more and more overseas visitors are discovering this unique and captivating destination.

Abu Dhabi offers all the attractions of a top class international resort... plus a taste of something extra. It combines year-round sunshine and superb facilities for leisure and recreation with the spice and mystique of an Arabian adventure.

Steeped in the ancient culture and heritage of Arabia, the strong tradition of desert hospitality lives on in the genuine warmth and friendliness that welcomes the visitor.

A destination for the discerning traveller, the emirate has something for everyone - from the bustle and excitement of a dynamic 21st century city to endless unspoiled beaches, the tranquillity of the desert, rugged mountain scenery and lush green oases.

The contrasts are remarkable. Much of the Abu Dhabi emirate is made up of the Rub Al Khali (or Empty Quarter), a vast arid desert famous for its spectacular sand dunes. This is a different world from the Manhattan-like skyline of Abu Dhabi city. Then there is Al Ain, the garden city on the emirate's border with Oman, the Liwa oasis set amidst towering red dunes and much more for the visitor to explore and discover.

Abu Dhabi is the name of both the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the largest of the seven individual emirates that make up the country. The UAE was created as a federation and became a unified independent sovereign state in 1971.

In addition to Abu Dhabi, which is the largest constituent in terms of both area and population, its members are Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. From 1972 until be passed away in 2004, the president of the UAE was the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness sheikh Zayed bin Sutlan Al Nahyan, He has been succeeded as both president and ruler by his son, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

With some 10% of the world's known oil reserves, Abu Dhabi ranks as the richest of the emirates and a global economic powerhouse in its own right. is expected in late April or early May.