Abu Dhabi

With just under a million people, it’s the second largest city in the country and is located on a small island, connected to the mainland by bridges, and stretches out into the Persian Gulf from the central west coast of the country. The city is home to most of the nation’s government offices as well as the Emirati Royal Family.

But while it’s a well-known financial center, Abu Dhabi is also known as one of the worlds’ top cosmopolitan cities because of its steady growth and the high income of its citizens. The city is basically the hub of the country as just about everything takes place there and that’s what makes it such a wonderful place to visit. Tourism is growing at a steady rate every year as there’s quite a bit to do and see there.

The city has a colorful history, but one of the most important events took place just over 50 years ago when oil was discovered there in 1958. By 1971 this had a dramatic impact on the city and it soon began to grow, with old brick huts being replaced with skyscrapers, shopping boutiques and banks.

The weather is also another drawing point in Abu Dhabi, as it offers a hot, arid climate throughout the year with things cooling down a little between November and March. You’ll get plenty of sun here so make sure you’re prepared. If you need to cool off, there’s miles of coastline and several beaches where you can take a dip in the water.

When traveling through the city you’ll notice the architecture comes in a wide variety of styles as the city has obviously been influenced by several cultures. There are plenty of skyscrapers that make up the dramatic skyline with more on the way. But don’t assume Abu Dhabi is a concrete jungle because it isn’t. There’s plenty of parkland and gardens to enjoy and relax in.

Abu Dhabi is very diverse and multicultural with Islam as its main religion. However, you’ll find an assortment of Christian churches, Sikh gurdwaras, and Hindu temples standing side by side with the mosques. With the cosmopolitan aura strengthening, you’ll also come across Western and Asian schools, many themed restaurants, and cultural centers. These include the National Theater and the Cultural Foundation, which is the home to the country’s public library.

The city’s Classical Music Society is quite popular and the Emirates Foundation supplies various grants that support the arts. Thousands of visitors attend exhibitions and conferences every year and for sports fanatics, the Red Bull Air Race World Series, which is held down at the waterfront, has a strong following. Camel racing is also popular as is the annual golf championship, and who can forget the annual Formula One race.

Some of the city’s other annual events include the International Chess Festival, Emirates Film Competition, Middle East International Film Festival, the Abu Dhabi Jazz Festival, and the International Fine Art and Antiques Fair to name just a few.