The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union
of seven sov- ereign sheikhdoms, formed when the British
withdrew from the Gulf in 1971. UAE occupies an area of
83,600 sq km along the south-eastern tip of the Arabian
Peninsula. Qatar lies to the west, Saudi Arabia to the
south and west, and Oman to the north and east. The capital
and the largest city of the federation, Abu Dhabi is located
in the Emirate of the same name. Four-fifth of UAE is desert,
yet it is a country of contrasting landscapes. It boasts
of mountains, beaches, deserts, oases, camel racing, markets
and the renowned duty-free shopping of dazzling Dubai -
all packed into a relatively small area. UAE is also a
place of contrasts - where traditional Bedouin lifestyle
meets Western consumerism and big-town bling.
Abu Dhabi, the federal capital of UAE,
is one of the most modern cities in the world. It is the
center of government and a hub for businesses in UAE, headquarters
of the Emirates' oil operating companies and serves as
the location for embassies of countries around the world.
The architecture of its modern buildings and sky scrapers
is among the finest in the Middle East. Abu Dhabi's oil
wealth has been wisely utilized to encourage a healthy
environment for trade and commerce in addition to and other
than that of oil and oil-related industries. Large gardens
and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and
roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, state-of-the-art
communication services and transport, the presence of all
the international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls,
cultural centers and events provide tourists a one-of-a-kind
experience all the year round. |
