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Abu Dhabi is the capital and second most
populous city in the Untied Arab Emirates(UAE),
after Dubai. Abu Dhabi is the seat of federal
government and the country’s capital, lies
on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian
Gulf from the central western coast, bordered
by Saudi Arabia to the south and west and the
Sultanate of Oman to the southeast, while Qatar
lies to the northwest.
Abu Dhabi offers a distinctive blend of east
and west for all types of discerning traveller,whether
seeking the adventure of a new cultural experience,an
action –packed holiday or simply a relaxing
escape. pristine beaches, spectacular sand dunes
and pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle await every
guest in Abu Dhabi. Such idyllic setting cuddles
this emirate known around the world for its massive
oil reserves and majestic mosques with towering
minarets. These, combined with the distinct Arabic
hospitality and mystique - and world-class infrastructure
- make Abu Dhabi an excellent destination
The UAE was formally established in December
1971, following an agreement between rulers of
the seven emirates or sheikhdoms to form a union.
These emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,
Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah (which joined
the union in early 1972), and Fujairah.
Dubai, which is significantly smaller in size
than Abu Dhabi, is considered the country’s
commercial capital, hosting numerous international
companies that have set up their regional headquarters.
Sharjah is acknowledged as the country’s
cultural capital with its numerous museums and
heritage sites; the emirate likewise has an attractive
coastline, which is home to several resort hotels.
Ajman, which lies next to Sharjah, is the smallest
emirate in terms of geographical territory, while
Umm Al Quwain is situated between Sharjah to the
southeast and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast,
along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Fujairah
is nestled by rough mountains (Hajar) and a 90
kilometre coastline (Gulf of Oman). Ras Al Khaimah,
on the other hand, is endowed with scenic coasts,
mountains, archaeological sites and agricultural
lands
One of the world's largest producers of oil,
Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify
its economy in recent years through investments
in Financial and Tourism. Abu Dhabi is ruled by
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is also the President
of the UAE.
Sunny/blue skies can be expected throughout
the year. The months of April through September
are generally hot and humid with maximum temperatures
averaging above 40 °C (104 °F). During
this time, sandstorms also occur intermittently,
in some cases reducing visibility down to a few
meters.
The weather is cooler from November to March.
This period also sees dense fog on some days.
The oasis city ofAl Ain, about 150 km (93 mi)
away, bordering Oman, regularly records the highest
summer temperatures in the country, however the
dry desert air and cooler evenings make it a traditional
retreat from the intense summer heat and year
round humidity of the capital city
Abu Dhabi city bursts with dazzling business-cum-leisure
facilities ranging from state-of-the-art convention
centre, luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf
courses, fishing excursions,,scuba diving,desert
safaris,falconry, theatres and very soon, some
of the world’s most famous museums particularly
Guggenheim and Louvre. The palace-like shopping
malls and indigenous souqs in Abu Dhabi make for
a great shopping expedition, offering the best
handicraft from local Bedouins to International
fashion brands. Gastronomic treats further abound
from cool and sophisticated cafes, clubs and restaurants.
For the fitness conscious, jogging and cycling
are a welcome treat especially during the cooler
months in the city’s charming corniche or
beachfront, merely minutes away from the bustling
city centre.
Abu Dhabi city is a modern city with broad boulevards,
tall office and apartment buildings, and busy
shops. Principal thoroughfares are The Corniche,
Airport Road, Sheikh Zayed Street, Hamdan Street
and Khalifa Street, and the city is known in the
region for its greenery; the former desert strip
today includes numerous parks and gardens
Cultural sites abound in Abu Dhabi, whose name
implies “Father of the Gazelle” most
likely due to the large number of gazelles and
oryx that once flocked the emirate’s arid
deserts. These heritage sites provide holiday
makers with a glimpse of this emirate’s
storied past - reaching as far back as 5000 BC
- and an understanding of its people’s culture,
values and aspirations.
Furthermore the garden city of Al Ain –
lying near the Oman border - is home to one of
the famous peaks of the majestic Hajar Mountain
and the highest point in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
(Jebel Hafeet), which rises about 1,340 metres.
A world-class hotel (Grand Mercure) is nestled
close to the mountain’s peak offering travellers
a great relaxing stay and a panoramic view of
the emirate.
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