Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, is an oil-rich land where modern structures intertwine with traditional values. Abu Dhabi is the seat of the United Arab Emirates Government and the Emirati Royal Family. The capital city lies on a T-shaped island where major petroleum companies built their headquarters.

It is serviced by the Abu Dhabi International Airport, the second busiest airport in UAE. Abu Dhabi is also linked to other emirates by buses and cabs.

Just like other Middles Eastern nations, Abu Dhabi relied on the pearl industry before the discovery of oil. Its economy also suffered after the war and the release of Japanese pearls into the market. Then, oil was discovered. With the world’s incessant demand for oil, Abu Dhabi’s economy boomed. It is currently said to be the richest city in the world. Yet, Abu Dhabi is a forward thinking emirate exploring other means of earning as its oil deposit is decreasing each day. It is now banking on its tourism industry to bring in the dough.

In its quest to have a booming tourism industry, Abu Dhabi has commissioned the construction of various modern structures and luxury hotels like Emirates Palace. Yet, the modernisation is done with caution, not wanting to sacrifice its traditions and values. It also has not forgotten to construct a grand place of worship for Muslims by building the Grand Mosque. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world made up of natural materials like gold, semi-precious stones, marble, and crystals to name a few. The Grand Mosque, or the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, is the 6th largest mosque in the world with a size equivalent to 5 football fields.

Abu Dhabi also features serene beaches, captivating oases, and lush streets and parks contrasted with ostentatious shopping malls and world-class Abu Dhabi hotels. Abu Dhabi definitely has the right to be in the list of top Middle East destinations as it promises tourists a great holiday vacation.