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Everything
in Abu Dhabi is modern, sleek and shiny. The United Arab
Emirate's capital is often accused of being a rather soulless
place, but that's going a bit too far: it's not exactly
buzzing but it does have its attractions.
Apart
from anything else, it's a big city for doing business.
Abu Dhabi is by far the richest and most politically important
of the UAE's seven emirates. It's hard to believe that
this sprawling city was a bleak fishing and pearling village
less than 50 years ago. Today, it's considered safe and
secure for foreigners, although demonstrations and political
gatherings are best avoided.
Population:
500,000 (estimated)
Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Main language: Arabic
Time: GMT/UTC plus 4 hours
Telephone Area Code: +971 2
Orientation
The
city of Abu Dhabi sits at the head of a T-shaped island
jutting into the Gulf off the central western coast of
the UAE. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi represents over 85%
of the total area of the UAE.
The
airport is on the mainland, about 30km (18.6mi) north-east
of the centre. The main business district is barely 1
sq km (0.4 sq mi), bounded by Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed
and Istiglal Sts to the north, Zayed the Second St to
the south, Khalid bin al-Walid St to the west and As Salam
St to the east.
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Travel Tips in Dubai United Arab Emirates!
