Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates, located on an island off the central Persian Gulf coast. Bedouin groups of the Bani Yas confederation settled the island in 1761 after discovering fresh water. The ruling Al Nahyan family moved their permanent seat of leadership here from Liwa Oasis at the end of the 18th century.

The settlement developed as a center for pearl diving and maritime trade during the 19th century. Qasr Al Hosn began in the same years as a watchtower guarding the island's only freshwater well and later grew into a coral-stone palace, the ruler's seat until the 1960s. Oil was struck offshore at Umm Shaif in the late 1950s and onshore at the Bab field soon after. Exports began in the early 1960s, funding paved road grids, seawater desalination plants, and schools. Abu Dhabi united with six neighboring sheikhdoms in December 1971 and later became the permanent federal capital.

Abu Dhabi operates as the administrative seat of both the federal government and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Energy operations run under the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which directs petroleum extraction and natural gas refining. Sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, manage global financial portfolios from offices along the Corniche. Container ships call at Khalifa Port, built on an artificial island joined to the shore by causeways. Etihad Airways operates long-haul passenger flights from its base at Zayed International Airport.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, completed in the 2000s, combines marble courtyards, reflective water basins, and white domes. On Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi sits beneath a geometric dome engineered by French architect Jean Nouvel. Undergraduate and postgraduate students conduct scientific research at Khalifa University on Al Saada Street. Motor sports take place at the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of Formula One. Dining establishments serve machboos, a traditional Gulf meal consisting of spiced basmati rice simmered with cardamom, cloves, dried lime, and braised meat.