About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, occupying 84 per cent of the national landmass territory. It has 200 islands and a long coastline stretching 700km. Its total area is 67,340 sq. km.

Abu Dhabi city in the emirate is the federal capital of the UAE.

Population

The estimated population of the emirate around mid-2014 was 2.65 million (comprising 1,766,140 males and 890,308 females). 507,479 million were UAE nationals and 2,148,969 million were expatriates. The average annual population growth rate for the years from 2005 to 2014 was 7.6 per cent.

According to Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, the estimated population of UAE nationals as of 2010 in the emirate of Abu Dhabi was:

Males: 204,108

Females: 200,438

Total: 404,546

Location and geography

The emirate of Abu Dhabi lies on the coast of the Arabian Gulf and is bordered by Sultanate of Oman to the east, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the south and the west and the emirate of Dubai to the northeast. The three main regions of the emirate are:

• the city of Abu Dhabi
• Al Ain in the east
• A one and a half hour drive from Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain is one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  
  The city abounds in picturesque forts. One of the UAE’s most historic buildings, Al Jahili Fort was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves and is home to a permanent exhibition of the work of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger and his 1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert.  The redeveloped Al Qattara Fort is now home to a brilliant arts centre and gallery, offering hundreds of modern exhibits within its walls and with spaces for a variety of workshops – from pottery and painting to music and calligraphy. 
• 
  
• Al Dhafrah (earlier known as Al Gharbia) in the west.
• ‘Where the desert meets the sea’, Al Dhafra makes up over two thirds of Abu Dhabi emirate. Along its hundreds of kilometres of coastline are stunning beaches and islands, which are gradually being developed for visitors. Prepare for the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving and some of its most incredible scenery. Al Dhafra's  history is encompassed in the myriad of ancient forts, which dot the landscape, and together present a snapshot of this region's fascinating history - all set against dramatic landscapes.
  
  A great reason to start exploring this vast region is the drive to Liwa - a historic oasis town at the entry to the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass. Liwa will blow you away with massive expanses of awesome desert and the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara.
  
  To get a real taste of Al Dhafra's authentic heritage, visit one of the many events and festivals throughout the year such as January's Tel Moreeb Festival, the pinnacle hill climb event for desert driving enthusiasts, and Al Dhafra Camel Festival, which includes the world's only camel beauty contest, April's Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, a 10-day event that pulls in adrenaline junkies from across the world to compete in everything from Dragon boating and kite surfing to dhow racing and swimming, July's Liwa Date Festival, a showcase for this valued desert fruit.

In the eastern region, to the south of Al Ain city is Jebel Hafeet - the emirate's highest peak (1,240 metres).

Al Dhafrah has seven main cities: Liwa, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, Ruwais, Mirfa, Sila and Delma Island.

The city of Abu Dhabi is connected to the mainland by four bridges: Maqta bridge, Mussafah bridge, Sheikh Zayed bridge and Sheikh Khalifa bridge.

Economy

Over the recent decades, the emirate of Abu Dhabi has undergone a significant transformation in economic growth. Due to the vision of Abu Dhabi's leaders and the abundance of oil and natural gas reserves, the emirate has grown to become a dynamic hub and major competitor on the global stage. While recognising the success of the oil sector, Abu Dhabi is working hard to reduce its hydrocarbons reliance and broaden the emirate's economy. Investment in infrastructure, tourism, transport, health and education is continuing, in line with the government's 2030 economic plan.

Tourism is playing in integral role in Abu Dhabi's economic development. Major investment in new luxury resorts and business hotels is underway. Abu Dhabi has many things to offer to its visitors and residents: a versatile landscape, thriving investment hub, and a friendly environment boasting one of the highest per capita incomes and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

GDP of Abu Dhabi for the year 2014 was AED 960,146 million (at current prices).

Touri

stic importance

Abu Dhabi has become a centre for world-class sporting events such as: the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, the prestigious Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge cross-country rally and the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In addition, the city will soon house the world's largest concentration of premier cultural institutions which will include the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi is rich in natural wonders too. While the emirate's famous Liwa oasis in the south of the emirate is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world, the garden city of Al Ain in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet is home to several heritage sites.

Ruling family and governance

Abu Dhabi is ruled by H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the President of the UAE since 3 November 2004. The ruling Al Nahyan family descends from a sub-section of Bani Yas tribe, known as Al Bu Falah. They originally lived in the Liwa oasis and settled in Abu Dhabi in 1793 where they lived in Qasr Al Hosn for almost two centuries.

Abu Dhabi has an Executive Council chaired by its Crown Prince, H. H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, under which separate departments function like ministries. It also has several autonomous agencies with clearly specified powers and a 60-member National Consultative Council comprising representatives of the main tribes. Al Ain and Al Dhafrah regions of the emirate and its oil terminal of Das are headed by the rulers' representatives, while its main cities, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, are administered by municipalities. A municipal authority for the western region has been created.