Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, 2004-2009
United Arab Emirates

Gulf MP

Al Ain

Made famous by Garfield as the void he exiled his dog-sidekick Odie, Abu Dhabi is not only the capital of the United Arab Emirates but also the largest Emirate, encompassing 225,330 sq. km (87,000 sq miles), 86% of the country's total area. Despite its vastness (as compared to with its six neighboring Emirates), the Emirate of Abu Dhabi contains only two major cities; Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain. West of these two cities is the Rub Al Khali (the Empty Quarter).

Abu Dhabi was nothing but a barren little fishing village until the late 1960's when oil was discovered in the region. It had had slight economic success with its pearling industry in the late 1800's however the discovery of the Japanese cultured pearl caused that to collapse. The building of the Suez Canal in 1869 also took out the Persian Gulf's vitality as a "middle man" of trade between Western Europe and the Far East.

After the British announced their withdrawal of the Trucial States in 1968, the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, realized his country sat on a potential goldmine of oil reserves. He also realized that there would be a huge threat to capture reserves, coming especially from Iran, Iraq, the Soviet Union or any other ambitious Imperialist. Thus the Federation uniting neighbor Emirates Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwan, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah was formed in order to secure a strong unified foothold for its latent oil haven.

"From rags to riches" is often the term used to describe Abu Dhabi's remarkable transition from a lifeless obscure coastal town to one of the most modern, upscale cities in Arabia. Lavish hotels, skyscrapers and state of the art architecture now dominate the city skyline as opposed to the dungy shacks that lay there less than 40 years ago. The Baynunah Tower (pictured above) is one of the most distinctive sights in Arabia as is the golf ball roofed Etisalat Building.

Above: 2006 National Day celebrations in Khalidya Park

Oddly enough, Abu Dhabi often gets stick from it's rival metroplitan neighbour Dubai for being boring and conservative. True, Abu Dhabi does not quite have Dubai's immediate charisma but it is by no means boring. There are plenty of bars and nightclubs in many of the breathtaking hotels here and a wonderful, super friendly expat community who will embrace any newcomer as I so gleefully found out. There are also several Beach Clubs; nowhere near as crowded as those in Dubai, as well as the local cultural museums and "Souqs". The Souq, Arabic for market, is a great shopping destination where you can find everything from pirated watches and soccer jerseys to authentic Frankincense and Arab Souvenirs. The Corniche also livens up at night and makes a delightful little walk.