Abu Dhabi is being called the model city of the 21st Century. Under a new generation of visionary leaders, it has grown from a small city of fewer than 50,000 residents, to a dazzling metropolis of one and a half million.

Rapid cultural and economic development has made it a hub of business, culture and tourism. Building projects are transforming the skyline with designs by the world's leading architects. The Guggenheim, the Louvre and New York University are building major centers of art and education.

As an academic medical center at the leading edge of science and health, Cleveland Clinic shares the spirit of innovation that is making Abu Dhabi the most exciting city in the Middle East.

Geography & Population

Abu Dhabi is the name of the Emirate as well as the name of the island city.

The emirate of Abu Dhabi is located in The United Arab Emirates which borders the countries Saudi Arabia and Oman. The United Arab Emirates is a federation which consists of seven states called emirates. The seven emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain.

Map of the United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE and is the largest of the seven emirates and is the second largest city by population (Dubai is first).

There is an estimated 1.5 million currently living in Abu Dhabi and it is expected to grow.

Economy

Abu Dhabi experiences a rapidly growing economy with a high GDP and per capita income. It is not only the wealthiest emirate of the UAE but also qualifies as one of the wealthiest cities in the world. The Emirate holds 9% of the world’s proven oil reserves and almost 5% of the worlds proven supplies of natural gas.

Climate

Throughout the year Abu Dhabi witnesses sunny, blue skies where rainfall is infrequent. April through September is generally the most humid and hottest time of the year with temperatures averaging 104 °F (40 °C). November to March is when the weather gets cooler averaging 71 °F (22 °C) .

Current Abu Dhabi weather conditions can be found here.

Language & Religion

Arabic is the official national language, but English, Hindi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Although Islam is the official religion of the UAE, other religions are welcomed. Residents who are of a different faith are allowed to perform their religious obligation such as attending worship services or mass in churches or chapels.

Friday is the Islamic holy day (compared to Sunday in other religions/states) so the weekends are Friday and Saturday.

Please see below for a list of major holidays and Islamic events:

Source: http://www.alain.ae/en/what.to.do.aspx

Time & Currency

The UAE is four hours ahead of GMT and the country does not observe daylight saving time (DST) during summer.

The local currency is dirham (AED or Dhs) which is divided into 100 fils.

US dollar at $1: Dhs 3.6725. The AED is fixed to the dollar and does not fluctuate.

Recreation

For leisure activities Abu Dhabi has great options for both indoor & outdoor activities. Abu Dhabi has great beaches, resorts, and parks. Shopping is a combination of traditional souks and malls. Two of Abu Dhabi's biggest shopping malls are Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall.

One can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters at any of the emirate’s numerous cinemas, and there are plenty of activities for those who like the arts with museums, galleries and concerts.