Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the country and as an administrative symbol of UAE embodies all glitter and luxury of this rich country. Abu Dhabi is considered one of the best and most modern cities in the world. All of it suggests exotic and luxury - wide boulevards, tall buildings with shops, homes and offices.
Abu Dhabi is located on a small island in the northeastern part of the Arabian peninsula in the Persian Gulf itself. The city stands only 250 meters from the mainland and connects to it via two bridges- Maqta and Mussafah.
Currently a third bridge is being built. Abu Dhabi is connected with the neighboring island of Saadiyat with a five lane highway, and its relationship with Reem Island is under construction and will be completed in 2011.
Abu Dhabi is the largest and richest emirate. Its modern architecture attracts many tourists from all over the world. But the city's history began in the 60s of the 18th century, when it was founded. In 1795 Abu Dhabi is the seat of the rulers of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Freshwater springs on the island were the reason for its construction and the populating of the fort. The island gained importance in later years, especially after the discovery of oil reserves. The headquarters of the ruling family of the emirate, however - Al Nahiyan is located in Al Ain, an oasis located about 160 km from Abu Dhabi.
After the 60s of the 20th century when in the area was discovered oil, Abu Dhabi was growing rapidly. The current city Abu Dhabi is designed in the 70s of last century and is designed for a population of about 600 000 people. Today, however, the townspeople are double that, leading to problems of different nature.
Abu Dhabi is one of the most modern cities in the world and a major center of government and business life in the UAE. Many headquarters of oil companies and embassies are located in Emirates City.
The architecture of modern buildings and skyscrapers is the finest in the entire Gulf. Here are almost no historical monuments but the high level of modern engineering precision has created unique masterpieces of modern construction.
Among the most notable are the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Tower and National Bank of Abu Dhabi. Here is the Emirates Palace, which is considered the second most expensive hotel in the world who has ever built.
Remarkable is the Mosque Sheikh Zayed. The tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi are Central Market Residential Tower, which reaches 382 m altitude, The Landmark Sky Tower, towering 324 meters and 310-foot, which has 74 floors. In the making is a project which envisages the construction of many skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi until 2030.
For many tourists in Abu Dhabi is more than excellent. Abu Dhabi has more than 20 well-maintained parks and gardens and more than 400 km of coastline, 10 km of which are public beaches.
In the parks of the city, access is free for children, but adults in most cases must pay an entrance fee. The main promenade of the city is called Corniche and is about 7 km long.
