by T. Ralls (prior to Kisgen)
https://travel.wikinut.com/Abu-Dhabi%3A-A-Desert-Oasis/290-ue31/
Abu Dhabi is an exceptional city due to its wealth, power, and beauty. With its natural resources of petroleum and natural gas, it has been named the richest city in the world.
About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is known as the richest city in the world due largely to its natural resources of petroleum and natural gas. Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest oil producers but also credits its enormous wealth to successful world class financial services and tourism.
Tourism
Abu Dhabi hotels are exquisite, the architecture and history is defining, and there are fun things to do. Activities may include a desert safari, a camel ride, or a belly dancing performance. Tours of the city can be booked on a double-decker bus or on a seaplane flight. The flight provides an aerial view of the Arabian landscape. There is also golf and scuba diving, and many choices of restaurants.
Restaurants are so varied in types of cuisine that there is something for everyone. Choices in the city include: Thai, Mexican, Korean, French, German, Greek, Indian, Japanese, and more. After a sumptuous meal, there is much to explore in Abu Dhabi.
Exploration may involve a visit to Dubai, or visits to main attractions such as the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Falcon Hospital.
A local guide can provide a tour of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This is the largest mosque in the world which can be investigated with a guide and its gilded opulence is sure to be appreciated while learning about the regaled Sheikh Zayed, himself. Further city sights can be enjoyed from an air conditioned coach, such as the dazzling Emirates Palace.
The Emirates Palace is a 5 star hotel with amazing amenities and is immediately recognized as a dream destination. Guests refer to their experience as “marvelous” and “unforgettable”.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is loved for its purpose; a sanctuary and working veterinary clinic for the national bird. A tour can be enjoyed here to view the highly revered falcons. Outdoors there is a free flight cage where people can see these falcons move about naturally.
Folks may enjoy a welcoming stay in one of many Abu Dhabi hotels and spend their days and nights on memorable excursions, all fully worthy of photographs.
Geography and History
Abu Dhabi is the largest of seven emirates, and Dubai is the second. The UAE consists of Abu Dahbi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain.
UAE currency can be traced back to 300BC. The UAE borders Saudi Arabia and Oman and became popular as the British and Portuguese frequented this path between their travels to India and Europe.
Once water was discovered on Abu Dhabi in the late 1700’s, the city flourished and quickly became the most powerful emirate.
Known as “Pirate Coast”, the coastline of the UAE dealt with piracy until the British formed a treaty in the 1800’s that established safe waters for the coast.
Under the rule of Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi, along with other emirates, accepted the protection of the British and were hence known as Trucial States, or the Trucial Coast.
It wasn’t until 1958 that oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi. Following on its heels, oil reserves were also discovered in Dubai in 1966.
Government
When the British departed in 1971, the federation of the United Arab Emirates was created. This is when the UAE joined the UN and the Arab League and chose a ruler.
The leaders of the new federation elected Abu Dhabi’s ruler, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for the position of their president. In 2004, the son of Sheikh Zayed assumed presidency (after the passing of his father, he was elected to take over the presidency).
The Supreme Council of Rulers governs the UAE. The rulers of the seven emirates are hereditary rulers and they meet four times per year. The Supreme Council elects its rulers from its members; the President and Vice President who each hold terms lasting five years.
Economy
Petroleum and natural gas are responsible for much of the revenue generated in Abu Dhabi. It is the wealthiest emirate of the UAE and has not incurred direct debt in more than ten years. With such a strong financial position globally, in 2007 Abu Dhabi was named the richest city by CNN and Fortune magazine.
Arabian Majesty
Abu Dhabi is fascinating in its history, its economy, its government workings, and its attractions. This is an area of the world that has inspired so many fairy tales, songs, and fictitious characters. It is a land of beauty and Arabian majesty.
Abu Dhabi is one of the most beautiful and powerful places on earth and is much more than fancy hotels. To visit this place of grandeur is to experience a lush paradise in the desert.
Tags
Abu Dhabi, Dubai Travel, Honeymoon, Restaurants, Tourism, Vacation Destination
Meet the author
T Ralls
Love deeply, live for now, and write often – that’s me.
Mark Gordon Brown moderated this page.
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Comments
Sivaramakrishnan A
17th May 2014 (#)
Thanks for this beautiful post, Ralls. Though oil underpins its wealth other nations can learn a lot. Despite not having democratic political system, they are peaceful. That means democracy is not the panacea for all cultures. Another success is they are moderates in terms of religion – not the fanatical type to suffocate those with different beliefs. Also, many became very wealthy from other countries finding opportunities without much hindrance – siva