Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates and is the largest of seven Emirates that constitute UAE. http://www.alain.ae/en/explore.the.emirate.aspx With a population nearing one million, Abu Dhabi is the second largest city in UAE next to Dubai. http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/Abu_Dhabi_Statistical_Yearbook_-_2010_released/42140.htm Abu Dhabi is a sheikdom ruled by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of former UAE president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=P2401345751200487093469&did=148670&lang=en

While Abu Dhabi is sitting on billions of barrels of oil, the city is taking additional strides to diversify into other economic pursuits. In late 2010, Abu Dhabi launched a 161 mile industrial free zone, an area in which completely foreign owned companies will be able to set up operations. http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hhirkx-FdC0n_MGMUWzIYAv-FEew?docId=CNG.01534870f08f534eb4cceded9fefdceb.11e1

In addition to drawing in foreign business, Abu Dhabi is growing as a travel destination. http://www.abudhabitourism.ae/en/portal/about-adta.aspx The city offers modern architecture, a plethora of upscale shopping, luxury hotels and numerous cultural events. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/explore.the.emirate/abudhbai.city.aspx To further encourage tourism, Abu Dhabi is building a cultural district on Saadiyat Island. The cultural district will include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Center, Abu Dhabi Guggenheim Museum, and Maritime Museum. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJJbgQ9U3Ro

Abu Dhabi is also interested in creating their tourist friendly atmosphere in an eco-conscious way. In November 2010, Abu Dhabi hosted the World Green Tourism conference to encourage growth in tourism in an environmentally sustainable way. http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/weekly-green-agenda-green-tourism-in-abu-dhabi-2138983.html

In the late 19th to early 20th century, the city that would later be known as Abu Dhabi thrived under the pearling industry. This industry collapsed in the 1920s and 1930s due to a number of factors, including World War I, the economic depression in the 1930s and the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/about.abudhabi/population.aspx

In the aftermath of the pearling industry collapse, HH Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed and his four sons ruled the emirate.http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=P2401345751200487093469&did=221576&lang=en#221578 Initial oil exploration then started to take place in the 1930s. During this time a western oil consortium called Iraq Petroleum discovered a potential oilfield in the region. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/about.abudhabi/population.aspxAfter agreements with HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first oil company in Abu Dhabi called Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd. was formed in 1951. In 1962, Abu Dhabi exported crude oil for the first time. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/about.abudhabi/population.aspxThat same year the municipality of Abu Dhabi formed and the city was established. http://www.adm.gov.ae/en/Menu/index.aspx?MenuID=59&CatID=119&mnu=Cat&div=CatIn 1966 HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan succeeded as ruler of Abu Dhabi city and the greater emirate. http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=P2401345751200487093469&did=221576&lang=en#221578

In 1968 England, who previously signed treaties with the emirates in the late 1800s, announced their plan to withdraw from the area.http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/about.abudhabi/population.aspx At this time, HH Sheikh Zayed recognized the need for the region to form a federation. In 1971 the United Arab Emirates HH Sheikh Zayed and other leaders formed the UAE, naming HH Sheikh Zayed its president.http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=P2401345751200487093469&did=221576&lang=en#221578

Abu Dhabi rests on an island in the Gulf of Oman, approximately 250 meters from the mainland. The geographical coordinates are 24° 28' 0" North, 54° 22' 0" East. http://www.abudhabi.com/v/geography/

The climate is sub-tropical and arid, with temperatures ranging from lows at 50F in the winter to highs reaching over 110F in the summer. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/about.abudhabi/climate.aspx

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: Ferrari’s first ever theme park. Opened in late October, 2010, Ferrari World is the proud owner of Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster reaching 149 mph. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/thigs.to.do/attraction.aspx

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A 22,412 sq m mosque, the Grand Mosque features 82 Moroccan-inspired domes and can hold 40,960 worshippers of Islam. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/szm.aspx

• Saadiyat Island: An island 500m off the coast featuring beaches, golf courses and a cultural district that is home to Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi. http://www.saadiyat.ae/en/Content/about_saadiyat_island.aspx

• Heritage Village on the Corniche Breakwater: An oases-style village displaying traditional desert life. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/thigs.to.do/heritage.search.aspx

• Al Maqtaa Fort: A 200 year-old fort off the coast, built to protect the area from bandits. http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/thigs.to.do/landmark.aspx

• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan: President of UAE http://www.uaeinteract.com/government/zayed.asp