I’m sure you’ve heard of Dubai. It’s a city in the United Arab Emirates that has become world-famous for its skyscrapers and other modern marvels. But Abu Dhabi, another UEA city, is just as incredible! In this article, I’ll tell you some of the interesting facts about Abu Dhabi plus we will mention all the Abu Dhabi Landmarks which are as impressive as famous Dubai Landmarks.
Facts about the capital of the UAE – Abu Dhabi
Is Abu Dhabi a country?
No, Abu Dhabi is not a country. Abu Dhabi is an emirate (one of the seven UAE emirates) and the Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE
Where is Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi sits on an island off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf and borders Oman to its east
How big is Abu Dhabi? – Shape & Size of Abu Dhabi
The city is built around a natural harbor on the Persian Gulf. The shape of Abu Dhabi is like an upside-down pear with its stem at the top and head in the bottom. It has World’s longest manmade waterfront
Abu Dhabi is 972 sq km. Abu Dhabi population is about three million people from which ex-pats account for a large percentage
What languages are spoken in Abu Dhabi?
The main language is Arabic, but you’ll also hear English being used quite often. From this it’s clear that international businesses have been enjoying the city’s diverse culture and modern amenities
What languages does Abu Dhabi speak?
Arabic and English are the two most popular languages in Abu Dhabi. In fact, everyone speaks both of them but many people can’t read or write Arabic as it’s not their main language.
The Meaning of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is an Arabic word that means “father of the gazelle”. A legend says that the Sheikh of Bani Yas tribe asked his son Sheikh Shakhbut bin to build a settlement close to where the water source was. This place was discovered by gazelle hunters hence the name – Abu (father) Dhabi (gazelle)
The climate of Abu Dhabi
The climate in Abu Dhabi is a hot desert climate, which means it’s hot the whole year. With two seasons: warm winter and scorching hot summers. Emirates have over 360 days of sun throughout the year. Abu Dhabi shares the Empty Quater desert (one of the biggest deserts in the world) with Oman and Saudi Arabia.
History of Abu Dhabi
The first people to inhabit what would become Abu Dhabi were probably nomadic tribesmen, although the earliest building discovered is a 600 CE Nestorian church (on Sir Bani Yas Island). It’s the earliest known evidence for Christianity in the United Arab Emirates.
The monks in Abu Dhabi stayed for several centuries, leaving peacefully among Muslim. they are mentioned in the 16th-century by jeweller Gasparo Balbi who came to Arabia in 1579 in search of pearls.
in 1761 The Bedouins of the Bani Yas tribe led by the Al-Nahyan family settled Abu Dhabi. they move here to because of the pearl trade.
Pearl diving and the trade business connected to pearling was the key income source till approx 1920, when the great depression and the Japanese master the industrial methods of manufacturing pearls.
Abu Dhabi and other Shaikdoms ( the Trucial States) signed in 1892 a treaty with Great Britain and Abu Dhabi and other emirates become British Protectorate. the deal meant that the British would defend the Trucial States and emirates wouldn’t sell any land to another country.
A lot has changed when in 1958 in Abu Dhabi oil was first discovered.
Part of the Great Master Plan
Since the 1960s, before they found oil , Abu Dhabi was just a fisherman village. In 1967, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan invited the Japanese architect Dr Takahashi who, with his guidance, designed the Abu Dhabi Master Plan.
Is there anything else to do besides shopping in Abu Dhabi?
Yes! There is a lot, beautiful beaches and other attractions I will mention below are famous Landmarks in Abu Dhabi.
Landmarks in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. build from the 1990s till 2007, this mosque is the biggest in Abu Dhabi and one of the world’s largest mosque. It can hold up to 40,000 people. It was founded by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan.
The Grand Mosque holds the record for the largest carpet and second-largest chandelier in the world(the biggest one is in the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat. Here you will find more facts about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Maritime Museum
Maritime Museum is a great way for visitors to learn about life on the sea, as well as the rich maritime history of Abu Dhabi. It was previously home to an Indian sailor ship called “Dhofar,” which served during World War the largest of its kind in the country and is one place to get a sense of the city’s rich heritage
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first international branch of the famous museum. It was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and houses more than 600 Western-Islamic artworks as well as modern and contemporary Arab works
National Museum of Abu Dhabi
The National Museum is a hub for all things that make up modern history in UAE, with fascinating exhibitions detailing both the country’s pre-oil and post-oil periods. It also features an extensive collection of artifacts
Ferrari World
Ferrari World is the Ferrari theme park with The Formula Rossa is the world’s fastest roller coaster, which can reach top speeds of 240 km/h. The ride lasts for only two minutes and thirty seconds but is worth it to experience one of Abu Dhabi’s main attractions.
The Capital Gate Building
The Capital Gate Building is one of the most famous city landmarks. This 160-meter leaning tower leans even more than the tower of Pisa.
Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is the world’s seventh most expensive hotel, and is only one of a handful of hotels that can claim to have hosted royalty. The sheer opulence and luxury on display here makes it more like an emperor’s palace than any other accommodation in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is a perfect place to see how life in Abu Dhabi looks like before the oil reserves got discovered. It’s a perfect place to see how the old souk or Beduins camp look like.
Interesting Facts about Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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