Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, father of the gazelle in Arabic, is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. What is the history of Abu Dhabi that makes the capital an attraction to tourists and the modern generation? The emirate of Abu Dhabi is huge in comparison to the other emirates, occupying approximately 87% of the total area of the country. In 1761 a Bedouin tribe named Bani Yas settled on the island of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi was ruled by the Al Bu Falah tribe; from this tribe originates the Al Nahyan family, the current rulers of Abu Dhabi. The economy of the village relied on fishing and the pearl trade. There was an abundant reliance on agriculture and camel herding. The prosperity of pearl trading didn’t last too long. The business of pearl trade failed which led to poverty throughout the Gulf region. The year 1958 was a monumental turning point in Abu Dhabi's history; the discovery of oil reserves was declared. From 1958 Abu Dhabi witnessed transformational changes. Abu Dhabi was declared as the UAE’s capital on 2nd December 1971.

After the declaration of petroleum a few solid low-rise buildings were established, and the first pavement was done. The production of oil paved the way for a promising future for the capital. But this massive venture needed a strong and responsible leader with the vision to take the emirate on to the next level. That was achieved by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. When the dream of Sheikh Zayed to announce the formation of the federation of seven emirates under one constitution came true and under his wise leadership, Abu Dhabi turned into one of the most attractive and popular destinations in the world. Less than 50 years ago the entire emirate of Abu Dhabi was a near-empty desert inhabited by Bedouin tribes and small villages. Thanks to the discovery of oil reserves and the successful rule of Sheikh Zayed which totally transformed Abu Dhabi’s fortune. 30 years ago the capital city was short of electricity supply and roads. Now its expanse of highways is full with traffic and the whole city is booming with the process of development that is spectacular. When reading about the growth of Abu Dhabi, you will notice how the city of Abu Dhabi was remarkably modernized into a rich prosperous Arabian city, filled with luxurious estates and buildings that are tall and mirror-glassed. Studying the development of Abu Dhabi would interest any reader because of its dramatic shift from reed and mud-brick huts to the tall skyscrapers you can see today.

 

The capital is prospering up to the present day and is becoming known for its skyline architecture. Abu Dhabi has started from a humble beginning and has become a center of business and tourism. Tourists visiting the capital will discover modern glassy buildings, as well as huge shopping centers, international hotel chains and fancy avenues. Abu Dhabi is home to important financial institutions and business headquarters of many companies and numerous multinational firms. Abu Dhabi has attempted to expand its economy in recent years through investments in financial services and tourism. Like father like son, when Sheikh Zayed passed away his crown prince Sheikh Khalifa was announced president of the UAE. To this day he continues to make the dreams of his father come true. Abu Dhabi has been named the Middle East’s safest city in 2011. Abu Dhabi's nearly crime-free environment and well-organized emergency services will bring you peace of mind and a relaxing stay.Today Abu Dhabi is a magnificent and interesting capital which offers tourists plenty of things to do and see. Abu Dhabi amazingly changed from a desert into an exquisite city. And it hasn't stopped yet.

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Bibliography

"Abu Dhabi." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Apr. 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Dhabi

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"Abu Dhabi - A Global Capital City." Masdar City. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. from

http://masdarcity.ae/en/79/about-abu-dhabi/