• Area: 77,000 km2
• Bordering Sea: The Persian Gulf
• Languages: Arabic (official language), English, Urdu and Farsi
• Religion: Islam
• Primary industries: Traditionally its economy was based around pearl diving, fishing and cultivating the date palm. The discovery of oil in 1958 engendered radical transformation. Exports soon took off and newfound prosperity, coupled with enlightened leadership, nurtured a dramatic turnaround to Abu Dhabi’s fortunes. A modern city evolved; with infrastructure rising up from scratch to accommodate its evolving status in commerce, oil and tourism
• Demographics:
  • Large Expatriate Community: More than 75% expatriate, the vast majority are low income workers from the Indian subcontinent and the Philippines, although there are a significant number of professionals from Europe and Australasia.
  • High Employment: 82% of the population is employed the remainder being housewife’s and students. Only a very low unemployment rate for the year 2008 despite the economic downturn

Climate

ClimateAbu Dhabi has a dry subtropical climate and rain is very rare. The hottest months are between June and September – the temperature often tops 45°C during the day and the humidity is very high. The temperature of the ocean can reach 37°C at the hottest part of the summer. Hotel pools are cooled in the summer and heated in the winter. October, November and April offer more reasonable temperatures of between 30°C and 35°C, but the best months are from December to March, when the average temperature is 24°C

Why Buy In Abu Dhabi?

Why Buy In Abu Dhabi?

• Open And Free Economic System: Abu Dhabi’s economy has been kept open and free to attract investors and business. Government control and regulation of private sector activities has been kept to a minimum.
• Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange Market
• Members of WTO & GCC
• Transparency of economic information & regulations
• Abu Dhabi’s ongoing exploration, both onshore and offshore, has to date identified 10 percent of the world’s known crude oil resources. As the third largest oil producer in the Gulf, after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Abu Dhabi also has four percent of the world’s known natural gas reserves.
• As the economy diversifies, moving away from its reliance on oil wealth, the export of non-oil related products has grown threefold since 1990 and is still rising. Private and overseas investment is actively encouraged and both government and private sector investment in tourism, real estate, agriculture, retailing and manufacturing has progressed rapidly.
• Even though it is still not as developed as in Dubai, tourism in Abu Dhabi is going to play a key role in the future of the economy. With the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority in 2004, this statutory body created to oversee the development and promotion of tourism is coordinating the development of an array of sensitively devised attractions: the mixed use lifestyle and entertainment ‘Saadiyat Island’; cultural landmarks such as Guggenheim and Louvre Museums; the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, otherwise known as the Grand Mosque.
• Various factors make Abu Dhabi an attractive opportunity for investment. The city has a high demand for commercial and residential space, with a limited supply. It also offers potential investment yields in excess of 10 percent, a dream for any investor. In addition, Abu Dhabi has a solid and diverse economy, with the UAE government and Central Bank injecting AED 120 billion into the market and guaranteeing all bank deposits held in the UAE to encourage inter-bank lending and mortgage finance.
• A major venue for a number of growing, profitable industries and activities:
  • Meetings, conferences, exhibitions
  • Banking, finance and insurance
  • Business and industrial consulting
  • Information and communications technology
  • Light and medium manufacturing
• Abu Dhabi also operates a Free enterprise system:
  • Highly developed transport infrastructure
  • State-of-the art telecommunication
  • Sophisticated financial and services sector
  • Top international exhibition and conference sector
  • High quality office and residential accommodation
  • Reliable power, utilities etc
  • First class hotels, hospitals, schools and shops
  • Cosmopolitan lifestyle

Tourism

TourismThe attractions of Abu Dhabi:

• A safe environment
• Natural assets from year-round sunshine, to beautiful beaches and an exotic desert landscape
• Infrastructure is unsurpassed in the region
• State-of-the-art airport
• The award-winning Etihad airline
• Luxury hotels including the Emirates Palace
• A variety of shopping options in ultra-modern malls or traditional souks.
• Iconic buildings and architecture

Some of Abu Dhabi’s Coming Attractions:

Strategically positioned as the ‘thinking person’s tourism destination’, Abu Dhabi is preparing for a whole new range of projects that aim to attract well heeled travellers and investors from around the world. The scale of projects under construction is truly phenomenal, making this emirate a global leader in economic growth. A taste of Abu Dhabi’s coming attractions can be found below:

• Yas Island – A world class leisure destination rising from the sands east of Abu Dhabi. This USD 40 billion development will boast the region’s first and the world’s biggest Warner Bros Theme Park, a Ferrari-themed motoring attraction and a Formula 1 Race Track that will host the 2009 Grand Prix.
• Industrial Cities – five industrial cities being developed within a specialized economic zone stretching across 75 square kilometres of land, with a current investment of over AED 10 billion.
• Abu Dhabi Metro – At least two metro lines will become part of Abu Dhabi’s impressive transport plan, and will eventually be linked to the Dubai Metro.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Plan Abu Dhabi 2030

For such a vibrant economy to stay ahead of future demand, it is essential to build on the Emirate’s existing transport, property and commercial infrastructure. In order to sustain such growth in September 2007, the Abu Dhabi Government published ‘Plan Abu Dhabi 2030’, an initiative that aims to help the emirate grow in a sustainable manner, by respecting its culture and surrounding environment. The plan takes into account the predicted surge in population, which is expected to reach over 3 million in 2030. Its aim is to help control growth in a way that maintains the modern and comfortable lifestyle the emirate is known for, whilst creating sustainable methods to retain the nation’s culture, national heritage and delicate biosphere.

With respect to the environment, the plan will allow businesses to grow in a way that protects Abu Dhabi’s natural resources and natural areas, particularly the sensitive coastal and desert ecologies. In terms of culture, the plan states that the emirate will emblemise the contemporary expression of the modern Arab city, one in which residents live and work in a healthy and supportive community infrastructure. In allowing Abu Dhabi to prosper in a way that does not compromise its residents or its environment, Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 sets the emirate up as a model capital city of the 21st century.

Sports

SportsAbu Dhabi is beginning to host a number of popular world-class sporting events.

Formula One Grand Prix

Formula 1 is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, in the same category as an Olympic Games or World Cup, and is unrivalled in terms of continuous global resonance. The capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has secured rights to host the first Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from October 30th to November 1st 2009.

Cricket

Abu Dhabi has been privileged to host cricket tournaments at an international level. After the recent ODI series between Pakistan and Australia in April 2009, the Zayed stadium has emerged as one of the favourite venues to host the Pakistan cricket team’s home matches due to the political tensions in Pakistan. Many believe that it will put Abu Dhabi firmly on the international cricketing map as a regular venue for first class matches in the coming years. The stadium comprises 18,000 -seat capacity with 8 pitches and the latest technology has been used for lighting and score boards.

Golf

Abu Dhabi boasts exceptional year-round golf facilities that help position the emirate as a prime destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world. Whether visitors are looking to play a few leisurely rounds of holiday golf or some serious games.
Abu Dhabi is home to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, a European Tour golf tournament that was held for the first time in January 2006. The tournament is held annually at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and draws some of the world’s leading golfers. The Abu Dhabi World Sand Golf Championship, the world’s first international golf tournament to be played on sand, is held at Al Ghazal Golf Club. The annual event is a relaxed fun event for tour professionals and a chance for local golfers to play a round with the world’s top players.

There are many golf courses including:

• Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club’s: is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi two 9-hole, 6,350 yard, par 70 green courses are a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling city. The club’s equestrian racetrack, which runs in the middle of the golf course, provides a formidable challenge on four holes, while the floodlit course allows avid golfers to play well beyond sunset.
• Al Ghazal Golf Club: is located at the Abu Dhabi international Airport, making it the ideal destination for people on short business trips in Abu Dhabi or those in transit. Abu Dhabi International Airport provides transportation to the club as well as transit visas, allowing passengers to play a round between flights. The 18-hole, 6,711 yard, par 71 sand golf course is considered one of the leading desert courses in the world, with its nine holes (par 35) circling an archeological site.
• Abu Dhabi Golf Club: Presents itself as one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences within the Middle East. It is perfectly located for international and domestic guests. It features 27 Championship holes of golf and over 162 hectares of land.

Camel Racing

As unique as the desert of Arabia is the traditional sport of camel racing Camel-racing, a traditional sport, is extremely popular in Abu Dhabi, It was originally staged in an informal setting, at weddings or special festivals, but now customised tracks have been built throughout the country where race meetings are held in the winter months from October to April, culminating in the annual camel race festival at Al Wathba which attracts entrants from all over the world. Camel Racing in Abu Dhabi is held during the winter season on Thursdays and Friday mornings, at specially designed racetracks.

Horse Racing

Abu Dhabi locals, particularly the ruling family and the sheikhs, have a long and passionate relationship with the stunning Arabian horse. Horse-races are held regularly in Abu Dhabi, with The HH President’s Cup, the National Day Cup and the Championship Cup amongst the most popular races each year. Show jumping competitions are also held at the ADEC regularly.

Besides the above sports, adventure sports have also been developed and promoted in Abu Dhabi such as:

UIM Formula One Power Boat Race

Power Boat Racing in Abu Dhabi is a popular adventure sport. Abu Dhabi became the first city in the Middle East to organise the UIM Formula One Power Boat Race. This has also resulted in getting recognition in the international sporting arena.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving is one of the most fascinating adventure sports in Abu Dhabi. The clear and placid water of the Gulf is home to the most exotic marine life and big game fish such as sailfish, marlin and barracuda.

Quality Of Life

Quality Of LifeAbu Dhabi is one of the premier tourist destinations of the Middle East. There are many tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi to keeps visitors busy during their stay. Visit the Abu Dhabi tourist attractions to get transferred to a different world all together. You can shop till you drop in the upcoming shopping plazas, travel in the luxury of air-conditioned limousines, be adventurous and try the Camel Safari and stay in superior deluxe hotels. Tree-lined avenues, beautified roundabouts, fulgurate fountains and landscaped parks also contribute towards Abu Dhabi Tourist Attractions.

Festivals And Events

Festivals And Events

• Music Festival, Abu Dhabi has an annual jazz festival which usually takes place in November. In addition to this there is also a recently established classical concert season over the winter (held in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain).
• Middle East International Film Festival is now a regular event in the Abu Dhabi calendar. Films are screened at four locations in the city: Emirates Palace, Cultural Foundation, Cinestar Cinema Marina Mall, Grand Cinema Abu Dhabi Mall.
• Al Gharbia Festival 2009 The western region of Abu Dhabi is host to a series of festivals including water sports, traditional desert sports (such as falcon hunting and camel races) and a date festival. All of the activities are based outside of the city. The first all- water sports event in the region is being held from 1st of May – the 9th of May. The Al Gharbia Water sports festival is a nine day extravaganza held on the beach of Mirfa which lies on Al Gharbia’s 350 kilometre stunning coastline. The festival is filled with wonder, water and world-class athletes. From kite boards and surf ski kayaks in the waves to chilled-out camping and concerts on shore, the Water Sports Festival is destined to be the wettest wildest week in the UAE.

Dining

DiningAbu Dhabi provides a remarkable number of dining options and serves not only their own guests but also large numbers of local residents. Coffee shops, fine dining restaurants and speciality outlets are often present and the standard of service is on a par with the best in the world. Top class restaurants in the city’s hotels include French, Italian, Swiss, Mediterranean, Spanish, and Greek, British and German cuisine.

Must-Sees

Must-Sees

• Al Hosn Palace Al-Hosn Palace, most commonly known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, is the oldest building in the city. Built in the late 19th century, the palace was the residence of the ruling family. The interior of the Al Hosn Palace has been renovated and totally modernised. What is noteworthy in the Al Hosn Palace is the courtyard and the tile work over the main gate. Al Hosn Palace now houses the Cultural Foundation, which run the Documentation and Research Centre. Many exhibitions are held here displaying traditional artefacts and photographs.
• Women’s Craft Centre is a government run handicrafts centre situated off the Airport Road. The U.A.E. Women’s Association carries out weaving, embroidery, sewing, basketry and other methods of handicrafts. Abu Dhabi Adventure Sportswomen’s Craft Centre is a good place to see the skills of the local women on display. The Women’s Craft Centre is a must visit place if you are interested in buying ethnic and traditional souvenirs to gift your friends and relatives back home.
• Corniche in Abu Dhabi The Corniche is a long road that extends almost 6 km from the Sheraton Hotel to the Hilton Hotel. There are several gardens lined all along the Corniche around the coastal boulevard that borders the city. The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, loves greenery and gardens and fountains are the result of that love. The other important feature of the city is the fountains that can be seen on every intersection of the Corniche. With the modern buildings facing the sea for the background, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi. Some of the sensational sandy beaches of Abu Dhabi are located along the seafront Corniche.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Is one the one the world’s largest mosques, able to accommodate more than 30,000 worshipers. The structure of the mosque covers more than 22,000 square meters. The beautiful Mosque is completely clad in marble and also features intricate Islamic decoration and carvings as well as extensive landscaping works. The architectural design of the mosque as a landmark building focused on the factors that would make a lasting impression on anyone.
• Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace: The magnificent Emirates Palace is a national landmark and one of the most impressive hotels and conference venues ever built. Perfect for corporate and leisure travellers, Emirates Palace offers a variety of luxury services to suit every need, whether you come on vacation with your family or for a business meeting or international conference. Emirates Palace, located on 1.3 km of private white sandy beach and surrounded by 85 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, is only a 30 min drive from Abu Dhabi airport and 1.5 hours drive from Dubai airport.