Introduction
Wealthiest of all the Emirates in UAE and federal capital, Abu Dhabi is one of the richest cities in the world. This transformation from a small fishing village to one of the most modern cities in the world is solely because of the large amounts of revenues from oil, which was first discovered here a few decades ago. This newfound prosperity of the city is clearly reflected in its modern infrastructure, shopping complexes, and recently developed tourist attractions. For an average tourist, this is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world with some of the best tourist facilities you can get. More than anything else, it is a major shopping destination what with shopping festivals being held throughout the year.

What to do
Abu Dhabi has a whole range of exciting activities awaiting you. For an average tourist the place seems like an endless paradise of fun. Activities range from shopping in the upmarket shops to haggling in the souk (market), travelling in an air conditioned limousine to riding a camel in the desert, dining in five-star luxury to sampling Bedouin hospitality under the night sky. Whatever choice you make it will surely be an experience of a lifetime, which shall compel you to come back again and again.

City at a Glance

Latitude 22°5"25'N Longitude 51°55'E Area 87,340 sq km (Administrative Zone) Population 928,000 Language Arabic, English Religion Islam Telephone Code 02

History
Abu Dhabi does not have a long history as the place was inhabited just about 250 years back. In 1760, Bani Yas (a nomadic tribe) discovered water on the Island of Abu Dhabi and constructed their first township there. For most part of history, it remained a small place fishing village till oil was discovered here around 50 years back.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Summer (May to September) is quite hot with high humidity levels reaching 90 percent. And with rainy season being totally negligible - October to April, during which the temperature hovers around the comfortable 25°C mark, seems to be the ideal time to visit this fascinating place.

Attractions
White Fort
Home of the former ruling family it is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. A Centre of Documentation and Research is now being run from this building and displays many interesting exhibits of traditional artefacts and photographs.

Heritage Village
The village is situated in the middle of Abu Dhabi and is a living exhibition of the lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin and other culture's.

The Cultural Foundation
Located in the Khalidiya Street, the foundation houses a weekly art exhibition, library, theatre auditorium, and lecture rooms. The centre is considered as the cultural heartbeat of the city.

The Corniche
A park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city, with a backdrop of modern buildings facing the sea, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
All the major Muslim festivals are celebrated with much fanfare and strict laws are enforced during that time. Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr are the most important religious festivals celebrated in Abu Dhabi.

Places Nearby
Abu Dhabi Administrative zone also include cities of Al Ain and Zayed. Beside the entire region abounds with tourist attractions. These are: Liwa Oasis, Rub Al Khali, Jebel Hafit Mountains, Ain AL Fayda Resort, Hili Gardens, Al Ain Museum, and Qattarah Oasis.

Shopping
In today's world, the word shopping is synonymous to Abu Dhabi. The city presents a variety of shopping plazas in and around the city that display some of the most modern and exclusive goods in the world. People from all over the world flock to Abu Dhabi to lighten their pockets of some valuable 'moolas' during the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival held every year in the month of March. During other times, one can visit the famous Old Souk, apparently an ideal place when it comes to buying precious metals such as gold, electronics goods, clothes, cars and virtually everything. This apart, Al Nasr Street, another important market place, has a number of antique shops and jewellery stores. While here, one should also make it a point to visit the duty-free shops located at almost all major points in the city.

WHERE TO STAY
Abu Dhabi can become a costly affair if you are looking for a suitable place to stay. Because of its modern origin, not many of old hotels, guesthouses or hostels are there who can provide cheap accommodation. Most of the hotels provide good facilities and the average room tariffs are from US$75 upwards.

WHERE TO EAT

Corniche has some good places to have local food. Marine dishes form an important part of any menu in this region. Besides, there are a large number of restaurants, which offer cuisines of various nationalities, worth a try. Hojreh Jazz Bar and Dining, Trattoria/Pizzeria Del Centro, Hojreh, Petrov, Chez Jacques, Western Steak House, Le Rabelais French Gastronomique Restaurant, Grill Room, Al Sayyad, and Chez Jacques are some of the most famous eating joints in Abu Dhabi.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Abu Dhabi International Airport is situated at a distance of around 35 km from the city centre. There are flights to almost all parts of the world from this airport, as well as to some other places in the country like Dubai. Metered taxis, self-driven cars, and chauffeured cars are available from the airport to the city centre.

Land And Water
Buses ply between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as for places nearby. Though most of the travellers prefer using air services instead of road transport, buses are certainly a good way to travel to nearby destinations. Local Transport
Al Ghazal taxis are the best means of transportation on the roads, though they must be pre-booked or hired from the hotels. Cheaper taxi services are also available though they may not be that much comfortable. City buses also ply in Abu Dhabi, but these are mostly very crowded and surely not recommended.