Abu Dhabi - Home to The Most Luxurious Hotels

Photo by Ioan Barbulescu

Bani Yas. Photo by Rory'ta


Fishing in Abu Dhabi.
Photo by A.Ddiction


Photo by woody1778a

Abu Dhabi has been settled since sometime in the third millennium BC, with its history being similar to other areas in the region, with nomadic herding and fishing being the primary activities of inhabitants. The modern state of Abu Dhabi has its origin in the Bani Yas, a tribal confederation which arose in the late 1700s and was in control of the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In the 1800s, the two branches became separate entities.

Until the 1950s, the economy of Abu Dhabi was largely unchanged, with the main industries being camel herding, agriculture around the oases of Liwa and Al Ain and fishing and pearls in the coastal regions near the city of Abu Dhabi. Until this time, mst homes in the city were built of palm fronds, with mud brick dwellings being built by wealthier families. The rise of cultured pearls in the early twentieth century represented a major setback for the economy of Abu Dhabi, as pearls were thee largest export of the country at the time.

Things began to turn around with the granting of petroleum exploration concessions by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nayhan in 1939. Oil was discovered in the emirate in 1958 and housing development began, albeit slowly at first - the Sheikh was skeptical about how much impact the oil revenues would have upon the country and it was not until 1961 that the emirate saw its first paved road. The Sheikh instead saved the oil revenues rather than put the money into development. His brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan saw the potential of the emirate's petroleum reserves to completely transform Abu Dhabi. The Al Nayhan family made the decision thatZayed should rule in place of his brother and begin developing the emirate - power changed hands on August 6, 1966 with the assistance of the British.

The UK announced in 1968 that it would leave the Gulf region by 1971, spurring Sheikh Zayed to push for the creation of the United Arab Emirates. Once the Emirates became independent in 1971, oil revenues kept right on funding the development of the country, with the palm and mud brick homes being replaced by modern high rise dwellings, banks and boutiques.

Photo by landhere

Abu Dhabi is a part of the petroleum rich and strategically located United Arab Emirates and is active in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Abu Dhabi borders the emirate of Dubai to the northeast.

Photo by Andrey 77

The city of Abu Dhabi is located on an island just off the coast and has two bridges which connect it to the mainland of the Arabian Peninsula: the Mussafah and Maqta bridges. There is a third bridge under construction, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, as well as bridges connecting the city to the islands of Saadiyat and Reem.

While the bulk of Abu Dhabi is on the island proper, several of its suburbs are on the mainland; among them are Mussafah Residential, Between Two Bridges and the Khalifa Cities.

Middle East International Film Festival

"Where:Abu Dhabi
Cost:General Screenings free
Opening Hours:Various

Embracing film in all its aspects, from finance to artistic endeavour, the Middle East International Film Festival (MIEFF) showcases international co-productions and offers room for debate on current production issues.

The festival launches in Abu Dhabi and while most venues are yet to be confirmed, the main location is set to be the world-famous Emirates Palace Hotel.Please contact Pyramedia or visit the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) website for the latest news of the event."

Abu Dhabi Latino and Jazz Festival

Beach Rotana Hotel
Photo by nicholas macgowan

"Where:Beach Rotana Hotel

The Abu Dhabi Latino and Jazz Festival is a two-day event held annually at the Beach Rotana Hotel. Latin dancers and musicians dazzle on the first night, while some of the best jazz artists from around the world take over the stage on the following evening. Full details of this year's line-up are released on the Chill Out Productions website as soon as they are confirmed. Please note the October 2008 date is to be confirmed."

International Fine Art & Antiques Fair

"Where:Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

The International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, held at Abu Dhabi's recently-opened exhibition centre, offers visitors the opportunity to see and buy some of the world's most exquisite and rare antiques and pieces of fine art. It is attended by top collectors and dealers from across the world.

Expect paintings, from Bruegel to Monet, and other masterpieces that reflect 5000 years of excellence in the world of applied art, as well as a programme of seminars by leading experts, exhibitions and other entertainment."

Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

"Where:Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton
Cost:Dh125; 4 day pass Dh400

The immaculate green course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. The tournament is sanctioned by the European Tour and the UAE Golf Association and has a US$2-million prize fund. The current champion is Briton Paul Casey."

International Chess Festival

"When:Aug 2008 (annual)
Where:The Cultural Foundation
Opening Hours:6pm, last round 10pm

Children's tournament 4pmHeld annually at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi, the International Chess Festival features several FIDE-rated tournaments and a top prize of US$4000.
The competition is open to all and includes a Masters Tournament (Fischer System), an Open Tournament (Swiss System) and a Children's Tournament."

Shamyat Restaurant:

"Shamyat is a beautifully decorated and strategically located restaurant. It's located in the heart of the city, and just a minute from Abu Dhabi magnificent Corniche. Two floors of glass windows reveal leafy latticed ceilings and candlelit nooks. The view out from the inside is just as appealing, and little pools and fountains dot the upstairs dining room."

City Cafe: 24 hours Dining

"Strategically positioned in the heart of Abu Dhabi, City Cafe is a 24 hours restaurant and cafe. It offers a range of continental and traditional fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, tea, coffee and juice served. There is daily buffet for dinner for 45 Dhs (US$ 12). Wednesday buffet theme is Far East, and Thursday theme is pasta. The atmosphere and decoration are great, and the staff are very friendly. Prices are average."

Indian Palace: Spicy Food In Abu Dhabi

"This is a gem of a restaurant. Located on Salam Street opposite ADNOC FOD HQ, it would be very easy to ignore. But this would be an error. India Palace has all the charm, elegance and sophistication of a Rajasthani Palace and is an impressively attractive restaurant."

"Time Out Abu Dhabi It's a great restaurant. The food is excellent and the services remarkable. If you want more privacy, they have close cabinets. If you are visiting Abu Dhabi, donýt miss this restaurant. Din in the Indian Palace and spice your time."

Costa Coffee: Costa Coffee

"Costa Coffee offers wide selection of hot and cold beverages/ coffee. They have sandwiches, cakes for desert & salads. Strawberry cheesecake and their Tiramisu Latte."

Papagallo: Italian Way

"Perfect location in Le Meridian with a garden area and wooden tables for an Italian restaurant.

Have tried seafood black tablietelli, although seemed a little in a big Italian sort of dish, but was plenty and filling. Couldn't have all.

On my next visit had some ice cream and fresh fruits, was very refreshing, a pot of coffee to make it more Italian :)"

Qian Zhou Hot Pot Restaurant: Chinese Hot Pot in Town

"Being a chinese food lover myself, had a chance to try a ""Hot Pot"" of it for the first time, thanks to GBOY35 a virtual tourist member and a new friend to me.

Very friendly welcoming place, where you choose numbers and variety of veg., meat, seafood, noodle which arrives to your table all raw. Then hot pots with water boiling inside for each diner and you pick the ingredients and dip into boiling water, in a few mins. They are ready to eat! Don't forget to make yourself a bowl of sauce from the plenty sauce varities like hot chilli, soy sauce etc. So that either while cooking or after cooking you spice up your dish.

We had some Chinese tea along the meal and was very nice."

Le Meridien

"After walking hours under the sun in Ramadan (no drinks, no food), i found the great Le Meridien Abu Dabhi, good food and atmosphere."