The United Arab Emirates is a Middle Eastern country that is visited by tourists throughout the year for its lovely scenic beauty and to know about the Islamic culture and history. Among the Popular UAE Destinations, people visit Abu Dhabi, the largest of the 7 emirates of UAE for its cultural and local attractions. Abu Dhabi in UAE is a cosmopolitan city that offers numerous tourist attractions for you to enjoy and explore.

To get the ultimate experience of Sightseeing in UAE, you must Travel to Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi has numerous tourist destinations that give an insight into the culture of the city of Abu Dhabi.

History

Parts of Abu Dhabi were settled as far back as the 3rd millennium BC and its early history fits the nomadic herding and fishing pattern typical of the broader region. Modern Abu Dhabi traces its origins to the rise of an important tribal confederation, the Bani Yas in the late 18th century, who also assumed control of Dubai. In the 19th century the Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches parted ways.

Into the mid-20th century, the economy of Abu Dhabi continued to be sustained mainly by camel herding, production of dates and vegetables at the inland oases of Al Ain and Liwa Oasis, and fishing and pearl diving off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, which was occupied mainly during the summer months. Most dwellings in Abu Dhabi city were, at this time constructed of palm fronds (barasti), with the wealthier families occupying mud huts. The growth of the cultured pearl industry in the first half of the twentieth century created hardship for residents of Abu Dhabi as pearls represented the largest export and main source of cash earnings.

In 1939, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan granted petroleum concessions, and oil was first found in 1958. At first, oil money had a marginal impact. A few lowrise concrete buildings were erected, and the first paved road was completed in 1961, but Sheikh Shakbut, uncertain whether the new oil royalties would last, took a cautious approach, preferring to save the revenue rather than investing it in development. His brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, saw that oil wealth had the potential to transform Abu Dhabi. The ruling Al Nahyan family decided that Sheikh Zayed should replace his brother as ruler and carry out his vision of developing the country. On August 6, 1966, with the assistance of the British, Sheikh Zayed became the new ruler.

With the announcement by the UK in 1968 that it would withdraw from the Gulf area by 1971, Sheikh Zayed became the main driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates.

After the Emirates gained independence in 1971, oil wealth continued to flow to the area and traditional mud-brick huts were rapidly replaced with banks, boutiques and modern highrises.

Getting Around Abu Dhabi

Tourist Sites

Discover Arabic construction as it was before the advent of the high rise hotel. Examples of traditional architecture at Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village include an authentic replica of a bedouin encampment, mud-brick houses, a traditional mosque and a recreated souk, where you can buy local handicrafts. Camels are on hand for the kids to ride on and there are graceful displays of Emeriti falconry.

Vast sums have been spent on keeping the Corniche beautiful, and it shows. Strolling along this picturesque showpiece is an Abu Dhabi institution and with coastal views, paved walkways and flower-filled gardens there are few better places to idly watch the waves. Explore from east to west on foot or take a cruise on a traditional wooden dhow to enjoy the changing vistas of the scenic skyline, parks and fountains. Many of the city's smartest hotels and restaurants can be found along the downtown section.

Al Raha Beach. Abu Dhabi's most popular public beach is just 20 minutes' drive from the Corniche and a favourite with a mixed crowd of families, couples and volleyballing teens. Safe for swimming, with clean sand, access to Al Raha is free. Arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially on public holidays and at weekends.

The Cultural Foundation. Located in the Khalidiya Street, the foundation houses a weekly art exhibition, library, theatre auditorium, and lecture rooms. The centre is considered as the cultural heartbeat of the city.