Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, and it is also the country's capital. Located in Asia, it is a destination where a visitor can see how a city built on oil wealth presents itself to the world, with a skyline of modern architecture rising above the Gulf coast.
What the emirate offers
- Modern architecture: The emirate is known for its contemporary buildings, and the city's skyline is one of its most visible features.
- Capital city life: As the seat of the national government, Abu Dhabi combines official institutions with a planned urban setting.
- Oil heritage: The emirate's oil wealth has shaped its development, and this history is part of how the place understands itself.
Planning a visit
Abu Dhabi suits travellers interested in urban design, contemporary cities and the economic story of the Gulf. It is a destination to explore at a steady pace, moving between the capital and the wider emirate. Because the facts available here are limited, it is worth checking current details of specific sites, opening times and transport before you travel.