In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about Abu Dhabi. Although its international borders are disputed, it is undoubtedly the largest of the seven emirates, covering more than three-quarters of the federation’s area. The architecture of its modern buildings and skyscrapers is the best in the Middle East. Let’s learn some fascinating facts about Abu Dhabi.
Interesting Facts About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates, covering more than three-quarters of the federation’s total area. Its modern buildings and skyscrapers boast some of the best architecture in the Middle East. Here are some fascinating facts about Abu Dhabi:
- Green Spaces: The city has so many flower beds, parks, green spaces, and lawns that it’s easy to forget the nearby desert. These green areas have helped reduce the temperature in Abu Dhabi by a few degrees.
- Safety: Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the Middle East, with minimal petty crimes like theft and rare reports of serious crimes.
- Mosques: The city and its surroundings host numerous mosques. The most luxurious mosque in the world, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is in Abu Dhabi. It features a chandelier made of Swarovski crystals, which is the largest in the world.
- Landmarks Named After Sheikh Zayed: The city also has Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Stadium, named in his honor.
- Rotating Restaurant: Tiara Rotating Restaurant, located above Marina Mall, takes over an hour to make a full rotation.
- Emergency Services: Emergency service phone numbers are posted throughout the city, making it easy to get help when needed.
- Archipelago: Abu Dhabi is an archipelago with around 200 islands along the coast. The most interesting islands for travelers include Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, and Sir Bani Yas Island.
- Clean Streets: Streets are exceptionally clean, with heavy fines for littering outside of bins.
- Color-coded Taxis: The city has four types of taxis – silver and gold (plentiful), white (older cars soon to be phased out), and pink (driven exclusively by women for female passengers).
- Hotels: Abu Dhabi has over 100 hotels, 34 of which are classified as five-star. The luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel, located in the heart of the city, serves coffee with gold flakes.
- Tallest Building: The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, is also located in Abu Dhabi. It has an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the city.
- Fountains: The city is home to about ninety diverse fountains, with the most beautiful ones located on the Corniche, including “Dallas,” “Flying Swans,” and “Volcano.”
- Territory: Abu Dhabi covers the largest part of the country’s territory: 67,340 square kilometers out of 83,600 square kilometers.
- Oil Discovery: The city’s prosperity began in 1958 when the first oil fields were discovered near the city.
- Infrastructure: With its straight streets forming a network of six main highways, Abu Dhabi is often called the “Manhattan” of the Middle East.
- Airline: Abu Dhabi is home to Etihad Airways, though it is an expensive airline, and the lack of a budget airline impacts the tourism industry.
- Name Origin: The origin of the name “Abu Dhabi” is unclear, but it means “Father of the Gazelle” in Arabic.