The city started to plan in the 1970’s where it was mainly covered with Nomadic settlers and deserty regions.
The population at the time was approximately 600’000. One of the biggest problems with Abu Dhabi is that the streets have no name and there is no direct door to door postal system. Mails are sent to local post offices with PO Boxes rather than peoples houses. There is no public transportation which means that commuters have to rely on taxis and other methods. When describing where they want to commute to they often have to a region or a landmark or significant building as the destination. The government is however planning a metro and a bus system to resolve these issues. Furthermore as of last year the government has demolished many of the old buildings to replace them with skyscrapers and other modern structures. In terms of how the region is currently, Abu Dhabi is a much more modern city with many parks boulevards and busy shops.
There is no doubt however that despite the lack of city planning there is huge demand for living space in the region. There is a much higher demand for accommodation than supply available, which results in annual rent inflation figures to exceed 20% (although economic inflation has been slightly higher at 10% last year).This makes accommodation and office space very hard to find. During one week in early 2007 there has been a demand for 21’900 units and a supply of only 1100 units according to Dubai based real estate researchers. Most of these analysts expect landlords to be in the bargaining power for the next to years as supply lagges demand. One analyst expects demand to rise 10-15% over the next few years compared to the 30-40% rise in demand.
To mitigate this problem the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce will invest around 140 bn USD in real estate and construction over the next few years to narrow this mismatch between demand and supply. By 2009 an expected 150000 new units are expected to be built some with extendable 99 year leaseholds. Abu Dhabi Material City was established in 2006 to bolster the role of the construction sector.
Although the demand frenzy has not reached that of Dubai’s, many analysts are expecting Abu Dhabi to catch up with it’s more dynamic neighbor especially following many of the cultural and tourist attraction that are being built. Abu Dhabi does have some challenges in increasing its supply of accommodation, namely shortages in raw material for construction purposes, a lack of skilled labor force like architects and civil engineers as well as human rights groups monitoring the regions labor violations. The lack of city planning is also a challenge that will slowly overcome once transportation lines will improve.
The initial appeal of Abu Dhabi UAE for the first settlement circa 1760 was the fresh supply of water. Fast forward to today where Abu Dhabi carries the prestigious title of the capital of the United Arab Emirates. There have been many significant changes to Abu Dhabi over the last few decades becoming progressively cultivated and worldly. Metropolitan architecture, stretches of urban parks, an assortment of lush, tranquil gardens and clean city streets add to its appeal. More of it’s political importance lies in the fact that Abu Dhabi UAE is the president of state’s headquarters, home to most political ministries and cabinets as well as the prime seat of the government for all the Emirates.Abu Dhabi tourism is geared toward city delights. The natural beachfront receded greatly over the years of vast development and the main waterfront, resembling a natural lagoon, is still a main focus in the city. The more recently developed Lulu Island is another point of interest for Abu Dhabi tourism. A combination of rugged, natural terrain and manicured beauty, the island was created for locals and those enjoying an Abu Dhabi vacation. Things to do on the island include swimming along the two beaches, dining, visiting mosques, enjoying activities around two man-made lakes and watching horse and camel races.
Al Ain is close by so Abu Dhabi tourism often extends into it. Notable attractions include the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium and the Al Ain Museum. Jabel Hafit, an archaeological are brimming with caves, trails, a hot spring and plenty of scenic sites is also close by Al Ain. To enjoy more picturesque scenery during an Abu Dhabi vacation take a walk to The Corniche, a beautiful seaside boulevard that runs along a coastal route and is adjacent to several parks all fringing the city. Abu Dhabi and shopping go hand in hand. An Abu Dhabi vacation isn’t complete without a visit to the many modern and sweeping plazas and the Old Souk, the best market in the city. Each year in March the city hosts the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festivals featuring thousands of excellent bargains.
For those looking forward to a few Abu Dhabi golf games, there are three courses to play. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton is only ten minutes form the airport and is considered the most beautiful course to play. Upscale facilities, an impressive clubhouse, a fitness club and three levels of dining can be enjoyed. Abu Dhabi golf is also possible at Abu Dhabi Airport Golf Club and the Abu Dhabi Golf & Equestrian Club. Each Abu Dhabi golf facility features exceptional clubhouses, exquisite greens and extravagant fairways perfect for all skill levels.
Nightlife in the city is hopping with one of the most popular multi-level clubs, Zenith, tucked inside the Sheraton Hotel featuring some of the most popular names in show business. The Beach Rotana serves up delicious tropical cocktails and exotic Polynesian bites. The Hilton features a fantastic jazz bar for enjoying laid back Abu Dhabi nightlife. Next door at Hemmingways more upbeat live music can be heard each night. Abu Dhabi nightlife includes clubbing with many of the best dance clubs located inside the hotels and UAE resorts. SAX inside the Royal Meridien is another top spot to enjoy great music, a variety of special drinks and to meet new people.
Abu Dhabi UAE, outside if the city proper, totals a land area that expands over half of the entire country. The city itself remains one of the major attractions of the area with plenty of modern amenities, excellent Abu Dhabi hotels, exciting UAE tours and fantastic Abu Dhabi nightlife. Make sure to visit both the 200-year-old White Fort and Heritage Village, a tribute to Bedouin culture, during an Abu Dhabi vacation. Abu Dhabi has it all, much like the hip city of Dubai. A far cry from the tranquil areas of Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, the lack of seaside holidays is more than made up by big city amenities. Some of the best shopping, dining, nightlife and sightseeing of all the United Arab Emirates can be savored in Abu Dhabi for a fun, stand out Middle Eastern vacation.
