Abu Dhabi 101

Teach me 'bout the Dhabi, teach me teach me 'bout the Dhabi!

This post includes some general information and fast facts about my soon-to-be home!

Abu Dhabi is the capital as well as the second largest city of United Arab Emirates. Though the city is currently counted as one of the most progressive ones in the entire world, it was not always the same. Until mid 20th century, the economy of Abu Dhabi was maintained by camel herding and production of dates and vegetables. Fishing and pearl diving were other occupations taken up during summer months. However, things changed completely after the city struck oil, in the year 1958. Moreover, after Emirates gained independence in 1971, oil wealth changed the whole scenario, escalating the city's economy considerably. For some more interesting and fun facts about Abu Dhabi, browse through the following lines.

Interesting & Fun Facts About Abu Dhabi

~Abu Dhabi is the capital city of United Arab Emirates (UAE).
~The city is located on a T-shaped island, jutting out in the Persian Gulf (called the Arabian Gulf in the UAE).
~Abu Dhabi is the second most populous city in UAE, after Dubai.
~The UAE seat of government is also located in the city.
~Although Islam is the official religion of Abu Dhabi, many other faiths and religions are acknowledged and given their due respect, in the country.
~The city is also the seat of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is ruled by the leader of UAE.
~Abu Dhabi is one of the largest oil producers in the world and significantly contributes to the world's economy.
~The city is the wealthiest emirate in UAE, with regard to GDP and per capita income.
~Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), is the world's wealthiest sovereign fund, in terms of the total asset value.
~Abu Dhabi is one of the wealthiest states in the world.
~Around 70 percent of UAE's wealth is concentrated in the city.
~The national dress for women in Abu Dhabi is full length black abba, while for men; it is a long white robe or dishdasha.
~Muslims in Abu Dhabi are not allowed to consume alcohol in any form. On the other hand, the non-Muslims staying in the city are required to have special license to buy alcohol.
~The climate of Abu Dhabi is hot and arid. Sunny and blue skies are predominant throughout the year. One can experience hot and humid climate from June through September. However, the weather cools down in November and the region experiences a cooler climate until March. Temperatures range from a low of around 10°C (50°F), on a winter’s night, to a high of around 48°C (118°F), on a summer’s day. The cooler months, November to April, are the most pleasant time to visit, when temperatures are around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night. One can also witness dense fog during the cold days.
~The highest summer temperature in the city is recorded in Al-Ain, an oasis city.
~Some of the important tourist attractions of Abu Dhabi include the exquisite Camel Market, ancient forts and theme parks.
~Travelers would be delighted to know that as a rule, no custom duty is levied on personal effects that enter or leave Abu Dhabi. This makes the country essentially a tax-free hub.
~Talking about the time zone, there is no daylight saving in the city and it falls under the GMT +4 time zone, or 9 hours ahead of the US Eastern Time Zone.

Here is a little timeline I found interesting. I think it's amazing the country is so young, yet so developed. I mean they didn't even have a paved road until 1961! This is all thanks to the vision of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

1958 Oil is found and production begins on Das Island
1961 Abu Dhabi’s first paved road is constructed
1962 Abu Dhabi begins exporting oil
1966 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan becomes ruler of Abu Dhabi
1971 Britain withdraws from the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates is born, with HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the leader. The UAE joins the Arab League.
1973 The UAE launches a single currency, the UAE dirham
1981 The GCC is formed, with the UAE as a founding member
1986 Abu Dhabi Duty Free opens
2003 Etihad, Abu Dhabi’s official airline, is launched
2004 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan dies and is succeeded as ruler of the UAE by his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
2005 Emirates Palace opens
2005 The freehold property market is opened up to foreigners
2005 Abu Dhabi announces that it will open a licensed branch of the Louvre on Saadiyat Island
2007 Abu Dhabi announces its own grand prix, to be held for the first time in 2009
2007 Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque (Grand Mosque) opens

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is thought of as the father of the nation. He is held in high regard in the country and has a very good reputation within the UAE as well as internationally.

Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who took rule following his father's death in 2004.