The City
Abu Dhabi can trace its history way back to the Bronze Age and has a long tradition of profitable trading, but it wasn't until the 1950s, when oil was found, that it was transformed from its desert landscape into the fabulous city it is today. Designed in a grid-like fashion with wide open spaces and boulevards, it is the second largest city in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates after its neighbour Dubai. It is the seat of government and the capital of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Daily life centres around its main thoroughfares, including the busy Sheikh Zayed Street and the paved waterfront Corniche. Always bustling, the Corniche is where visitors can be seen admiring the stunning pink-washed Emirates Palace at the Ras Al Bateen, built as a hotel for visiting royals, and locals can be seen jogging or cycling with much enthusiasm. Families with children and leisure walkers regularly enjoy the atmosphere. The Corniche sweeps along the waterfront from one side of the city to other, passing by the lavishly-planted Al Markaziyah Gardens, one of the many parks in the city, and Lulu Island across the water, which is delightful with its palm trees and nature reserve. A short walk from the waters edge are streets full of shiny new skyscrapers that house the city's financial and banking institutions, its world famous company offices and its government buildings. At pavement level hotel and restaurants cater for every taste, while shopping malls are full of designer fashions. In contrast, the many souqs offer gold, spices or traditional craft items.