Prior to the discovery of oil in 1958, the emirate of Abu Dhabi was basically a poor, rural wasteland. Today, it has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. The emirate is characterized by three political or geographic divisions: the city of Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain and the offshore islands.
The city of Abu Dhabi, the seat of government of the U.A.E. and the nation's second largest city, is quite modern and clean. Date palms nestled between the glass and steel high-rises give the city a bit of soul, but it is still primarily an administrative and business center.
Abu Dhabi's coastal area consists primarily of swamps and salt flats, but as you go inland, the view becomes classic desert: Nomads tend their sheep (often by truck or four-wheel-drive vehicle) among the oases, date palms, sand dunes and gravel pits.
Abu Dhabi can be seen in half a day, but allow a full day if you're including the nearby Umm al-Nar ruins.
Sightseeing
Plans are under way to create a stunning Cultural City within Abu Dhabi. A Louvre (the only one outside of Paris), a Guggenheim (designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry), a Marine Museum, an Arabian History and Heritage Museum (named after Sheikh Zayed) and a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center are all slated for development along the city's waterfront.
Other attractions include the Cultural Foundation, an old fort and many newer palaces owned by local sheikhs. The Corniche (a coastal road) runs about 8 mi/12 km along the Persian Gulf—it's a lovely boulevard. The city also has an attractive city park with beautiful flower gardens. Be sure to tour the Emirates Palace Hotel and its spectacular grounds as well as the magnificent Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Mosque (also known as the Grand Mosque), which is open for tours daily. It can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers and is a must-see for its stunning design and architecture.
Shopping
If you are in need of souvenirs or just like weaving, visit the government-run Women's Craft Center just outside town.
Day Trips
To
Al-Ain. This oasis city lies about 103 mi/165 km east of Abu Dhabi, on the border with Oman. It was once an important caravan crossroads. Today in Al-Ain you'll find thousands of date palms, ancient city walls and an archaeological museum (housed in a 1910 fort). You'll also find a modern shopping mall and world-class resort hotels. Don't miss the camel market or the livestock souk for a look at local life. Just across the Omani border in the town of Buraimi is the renovated Al-Khandaq fort, built in the 16th century.
To Liwa. This fertile oasis south of Abu Dhabi lies on the edge of Rub al-Khali (known as the Empty Quarter desert), which has amazing sand dunes. It's a popular area to explore in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Hotels can arrange tours to this area.
To the Gulf islands. Many of these islands, including Dalma, Abu al-Abyad, Sir Bani Yas and others, were once pearling centers, but are now home to oil terminals. Some travelers also visit Jebel Dhanna, a coastal city west of Abu Dhabi, but we only recommend it if you are looking to kill time.
Calendar
If you are visiting Abu Dhabi in late March or early April, be sure to check out the annual Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival. It showcases artists from both Western and Eastern cultures with performances, educational programs and gala events (http://www.admafestival.com).
