Abu Dhabi
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General Background
Location
Arabian Gulf, between latitudes 22.5 °, 25 North, and longitudes 51°, 55 East.
Area
The largest of seven Emirates at 87,340 sqkm, which is 86.7 per cent of the UAE's total land area excluding the islands. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi comprises three major regions and more than 200 islands.
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +4 hours
Country/City Dialing Code
International Country Code: (971) City Code: (2)
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED) - USD1 = approx Dhs 3.675
Language
The business languages are English and Arabic (Government Offices- Arabic)
Population
2.3 million
Political System
The UAE became independent as the Federation of Arab Emirates in 1971, under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The seven Emirates are ruled by a Federal Supreme Council, the highest legislative body. The present Abu Dhabi Emirate ruler, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed , was confirmed by the UAE supreme Council as President of the UAE in November 2004.
GDP
Abu Dhabi's gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to triple to AED 1 trillion (USD $300 billion) by 2025 from an estimated AED ? (USD$$10 billion) in 2008, according to a report by the Department of Planning and Economy (DPE).
Religion:
The official religion is Islam, and is followed by 80 per cent of the total population. Worship of other religions is permitted.
Social Environment
Abu Dhabi reputation as a family-oriented city, and the emphasis on tradition have kept the pace of life in Abu Dhabi to a moderate level.
Media
Major newspapers in English and Arabic provide residents and visitors with political, business, local and international news. Television programs and cable television are broadcast in Abu Dhabi, while local programs, news and features on UAE culture are disseminated internationally, giving other parts of the world a taste of Abu Dhabi's rich heritage and culture.
Cultural Symbols
Falcon, camel, Arabian horse, pearl-harvesting boat, coffeepot, and the date palm.
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Living in Abu Dhabi
Working Hours
The standard week for local government departments runs from Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Hours for the private sector are 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Housing
Housing rentals range from USD $60,000 to USD$136,000 per annum, payable one year in advance. Apartment rentals start from USD$22,000 for a 1 bedroom unit.
Ethnic Mix
Over 180 different nationalities including Arabs, Britons, Pakistanis, Indians, Iranians, Afghans, Bangladeshis, and Filipinos.
Health
Public health services in Abu Dhabi are easily accessible. Major hospitals are equipped with the most modern facilities and equipment. Most western expatriates use private medical facilities and carry private health insurance cards.
Education
Wide range of schools and universities offering curricula for every age and nationality. American, British, French, German, Indian, Japanese and Pakistani students are well provided for.
Transportation
Private vehicles and taxis are the primary means of transport. Taxis fares start at AED 2 for a mandatory pick-up fee, and AED 0.50 per kilometre. Buses operate on routes to nearby towns like Baniyas, Habashan and Al Ain, among others. A service to Dubai (about 160 km/99 miles away) started in 2005.
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Visiting Abu Dhabi
Visitor Visa
A single entry visa, free of charge, is available on entry to citizens of the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican City, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and holders of Hong Kong SAR passports. For more details click on Visa regulations
Airline
Etihad Airways was established in 2003 and is the fastest-growing airline in commercial aviation history. It connects Abu Dhabi with 50 destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and North America (New York JFK and Toronto). The airline has won more than 30 awards for its outstanding food, flat-bed seats, catering, first-class service, customer service and many of its other operational attributes.
Accommodation
Most major international hotel chains have established five-star facilities in Abu Dhabi, including Hilton, Sheraton, Intercontinental and Shangri-la. Visitors to the city may also choose hotel apartments for long stays.
Things to do
Winter dhow racing, desert safaris, sand-skiing, camel safaris, polo, mountaineering, swimming and a variety of water sports, Sheikh Zayed Mosque - the third largest mosque in the world, world-class shopping and traditional souks, camel racing and Arabian horse shows, a wide choice of multinational restaurants, the Heritage Village, the Cultural Foundation and the rich traditions displayed by Arabic art galleries -and much more.
Electricity:
220 or 240 volts AC, 50Hz; square three-pin plugs are standard.
Year Average High Temp.
33.7 °C (93 °F)
Year Average Low Temp.
20.2 °C (68 °F)
Annual Rainfall:
88.9 mm
