| Abu Dhabi, literally meaning 'the Father of Gazelle,' | | | | of Bedouin. In other words, taking a visit to the |
| is the wealthiest as well as the largest of all the | | | | village is a great way to have an idea on how |
| seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates | | | | people lived here prior to the discovery of the oil |
| (UAE.) It covers about 85 percent of the overall | | | | reserves. |
| landmass of the nation. | | | | Among the specialties of this attraction are |
| Once a typical village, Abu Dhabi has now been | | | | ancient type courtyard houses built with brick, |
| transformed into a top class international resort | | | | traditional mosques, wind towers, ancient irrigation |
| with remarkable skyline, state of the art | | | | system, and shopping in traditional style market. |
| infrastructure, upscale hotels, splendid villas, and | | | | Even opportunities are made available for a camel |
| high-end shopping complexes, since its founding of | | | | ride. A museum can also be seen here, where a |
| the large amount of revenues from oil, about 50 | | | | selection of items collected from bygone era such |
| years ago. | | | | as Holy Quran, coins, jewelry, and weapons are |
| The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the center | | | | displayed. |
| of administration, commerce, and trade in the | | | | One can also see here people engaged in different |
| nation, and is perhaps the world's richest city. | | | | types of traditional skills. Another great attraction |
| Located in the heart of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi | | | | in Abu Dhabi is the Corniche, a well-maintained |
| is not only one of the world's most prominent | | | | area which is considered the most pictorial sites in |
| tourist destinations but also it is home to people | | | | the destination. Apart from these, tree-lined |
| from several nations. Al though a modern | | | | boulevards, serene parks, and well-manicured |
| settlement, Abu Dhabi is much favored for its | | | | roundabouts, also form part of the city's |
| traditional desert ambience as well as unique | | | | attractions. |
| culture. | | | | Abu Dhabi is also within easy reach of such |
| Attractions in Abu Dhabi range from elegant forts | | | | landmarks in the country as Liwa Oasis, which is |
| and stunning mosques with domes and minarets | | | | one of the largest of its kind in Arabia and |
| to cultural villages and interesting museums and | | | | consisting of date plantations as well as refreshing |
| zoo. Perhaps the most popular among the | | | | water pools; Jabel Hafit, a rocky mountain much |
| landmarks in Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Palace, | | | | famed for its rare flora and fauna, interesting |
| popularly known as the White Fort. Erected during | | | | caves, archeological sites, and above all, the health |
| the 18th century as the ruling family's residence, | | | | resort of Ain Al Fayda; Al Ain Museum, the |
| the palace stands out for its stunning courtyard | | | | largest museum in the country, with exhibits such |
| and stupendous tile works found on the main | | | | as Bedouin items, ancient stone instruments, and |
| gate. | | | | relics revealed from Fossil Valley; Al Ain Zoo and |
| Housed within the palace is a museum, with | | | | Aquarium, a must-see attraction for wild life |
| several sections such as natural history area with | | | | lovers, since it has animals collected from all over |
| exhibits that are related to desert animals and | | | | the world; and Qattarah Oasis, a tranquil area |
| historical section featuring displays dating back to | | | | noted for its fruit orchards and date palms. |
| historic period, apart from several other artifacts | | | | Above all, the activities that can be enjoyed in |
| including pottery. Displayed on the tower of the | | | | Abu Dhabi are endless, from shopping in the chic |
| palace are weapons used during the past times. | | | | shopping malls to quibbling in the traditional market, |
| Adjacent to the palace is a modern complex | | | | roaming in a luxurious limo to riding in a camel in |
| designed and built in traditional style, namely, | | | | the desert, and dining in first class restaurants |
| Cultural Foundation - the center of cultural life in | | | | serving multi cuisines to sampling authentic as well |
| Abu Dhabi. It is also home to the Center for | | | | as sumptuous Arabic cuisine. |
| Documentation and Research, under the control | | | | It is no wonder why people from every nook and |
| of the Cultural Foundation. The center, in turn, has | | | | corner of the world visit here year round. Hence, |
| on display an array of documents that throw light | | | | Abu Dhabi has accommodation options to cater to |
| on the rich history and heritage. | | | | every taste and budget. No matter it is for |
| Situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi on the | | | | business or conference needs, honeymoon, or for |
| Breakwater is the Heritage Village, which provides | | | | leisurely purposes, the city has superb choices. |
| a deep insight into the tradition as well as lifestyle | | | | |