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Abu Dhabi
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Once a humble pearling village, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is now a bright, thriving, cosmopolitan city with large green parks and a bustling commercial hub. The coastline features a rich variety of marine life, including colourful coral reefs and numerous species of tropical fish, while the city boasts some of the finest architecture in the Middle East. Twenty-first century sophistication walks hand in hand with the unhurried courtesy of a long-gone era in this island city, whose ancitent structures, bustling souks, ultra-modern shopping malls and cultural centres offer tourists a unique experience.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven sovereign sheikhdoms, of which Abu Dhabi is the capital.Formed after the British withdrew from the Gulf in 1971,the UAE has a wealth of scenery including mountains,beaches,deserts and oasis.There are many activities to enjoy here – from camel racing and Bedouin markets to the legendary duty-free shopping in Dubai. All of this, in a relatively compact country that prides itself on catering to tourists. Nowhere else on earth will you find such evidence of the renowned Arabian hospitality.
Key Attractions
* Al-Hosn Palace, also known as the Old Fort, is a picturesque, late 19th Century building with a beautiful courtyard and well worth an afternoon of your time * The Cultural Foundation houses the National Archives, the National Library and the Institute of Culture and Art in a modern, Islamic-style building with graceful arches, lush courtyards, and intricately decorated hallways. The foundation hosts local exhibits as well as contemporary modern art exhibitions, film screenings, theatre performances and classical musical concerts.
* Al-Ain is the main town in the Buraimi Oasis, which lies on the border between Abu Dhabi and Oman. Its sister town, Buraimi, can be found on the Omani side of the border. The oasis may be the longest inhabited part of what is now the UAE, and settlements can be dated back as late as the 4th Millennium BC. The oasis provides a dry climate and is a welcome relief from the humidity on the coast.
* Bani Yas island is home to a flourishing nature reserve and keenly reflects how the region once was at a time when there was greater rainfall and greener pastures. Mountain gazelle, sand gazelle, Arabian oryx, ostrich, partridge and guinea fowl are some of the species that can be seen here.
* The Old Souk is a great place for keen shoppers to buy gold, electronic goods, clothes and even cars. If you're looking for a break from the world of banks and boutiques, take a walk through what remains of the old souq, in the small area east of Al-Ittihad Square and north of Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed St.
* The Heritage Village is where one can get acquainted with the lifestyle and traditions of the Bedouins in days gone by.
* Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall are known as world-class shopping plazas and attract shoppers from far and wide.