Prior to the discovery of oil in 1958, Abu Dhabi was basically a poor, rural wasteland. Abu Dhabi now has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world. The emirate is characterized by three political or geographic divisions: Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain and the offshore islands. Abu Dhabi City, the seat of government of the UAE and the nation's largest city (pop. 243,000), is quite modern and clean. Date palms, nestled between the glass and steel high-rises, give the city a bit of soul, but it is still primarily an administrative center. Attractions include the Petroleum Exhibition, suqs, an old palace and many newer palaces owned by local sheiks. The corniche (a walled coastal road) runs about 8 mi/ 13 km - it's a lovely boulevard along the Arabian (Persian) Gulf. The city also has an attractive park with beautiful flower gardens and a 2,200 year-old tomb, known as the Round Structure.

Language: Arabic, English

Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED)

Driving Directions and Parking Information

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal

Zayed Port - Mina Zayed

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

From Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Head east on Al Khaleej Al Arabi St/Al Tirhal St. Slight left onto Al Tirhal St and keep left to stay on Al Tirhal St. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Al Diyafah St. Go through 1 roundabout. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Al Diyafah St. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on Al Diyafah St. Take the ramp to Al Mireef St and keep right at the fork and merge onto Al Mireef St. Take the ramp onto Al Shahama - Abu Dhabi Rd/Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10. Merge onto Al Shahama - Abu Dhabi Rd/Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St/E10. Take exit 34 for Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hwy/E12 toward Yas Island West/Saadiyat Island. Merge onto Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed St/Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hwy/E12. Turn right onto Al Hadif St, keep left to stay on Al Hadif St and continue straight to stay on Al Hadif St. Al Hadif St turns slightly left and becomes Al Luluah St. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Al Wudouh St. Turn left at the dead end and continue to your destination.