Introducing Abu Dhabi
With the oil predicted to run out sometime after 2100 AD, you’d forgive Abu Dhabi for wanting to just sit pretty and count the money. But this attractive, green and distinctly Arab city just appears to be hitting its stride. While not as cosmopolitan or as sophisticated as Dubai, Abu Dhabi also lacks traffic jams and the poseurs that plague its neighbour, making it a much more liveable city if you don’t crave clubbing. After closely watching Dubai’s phenomenal growth, Abu Dhabi has chosen its development projects wisely, and while the laid-back feel might eventually change, the local Emirati flavour of the capital appears certain to remain.
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The emirate of Abu Dhabi is huge by comparison to the other emirates, comprising almost 87% of the country’s total area. Just as 50 years ago Abu Dhabi was little more than a fishing village comprising a fort, a few coral buildings and a smattering of barasti huts, the rest of the emirate is very ‘Arabian Sands’ with its enigmatic empty desert, dotted with oases such as Al-Ain and Liwa. While the ruling Al-Nahyan family may have become rich from what lies beneath, you get the sense that their connection to the desert and the sea is something that remains more important than petrodollars.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: cheap holiday in uae?
by dxb1969 27 May 2012
in June, due to the very hotel weather, one week is enough time. 3 days is enough if you only visit Dubai. The youth hostel in Dubai…
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Re: Day trip to Iran from Doha - IS IT POSSIBLE?
by ansanziah 27 May 2012
Hi, I can only recommed you that Oman (Muscat and some places nearby) and UAE (Dubai, Abu dhabi) are good choices for touring in this…
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RE: Taking a dog to Abu Dhabi
by Kira 26 May 2012
Anymore info on all this will be very much appreciated by my two cats! Thanks Kira
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