Abu Dhabi Local History

Abu Dhabi has only been inhabited for about 250 years. The first town constructed was by the Bani Yas, a nomadic tribe, in 1760 who discovered water here. In the mid 18th century, British naval power rose in the Gulf and at the same time the Qawasin and Ras Al-Khaimah tribes wrere also gaining power and the descendants of the Ras Al-Khaimah tribe now rule modern Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Oil concessions were granted by the Sheikh in 1939 but oil was only found in 1958 and this ensured that great wealth would come to the city. Britain announced that it would leave the Gulf in 1971 and after negotiations the new federation of the UAE was formed on the 2nd of December 1971 and the Capital was Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Attractions

Abu Dhabi Shopping

Abu Dhabi is a shopping paradise, anything and everything is available. The Madinat Zayed Shopping and Gold Centre is a 600 000 square foot shopping complex that is a landmark in the city and sells everything from fashion and perfumes to watches and electronics. The Gold Centre sells jewellery pieces of exquisite craftmanship at reasonable prices.

There are also various duty free shops in the city, and for the serious shopper, head to the city in March for the Abu Dhab shopping festival. For traditional arts and crafts such as woven bags, shawls and rugs, head to the Womens Craft Centre. The workshop can be viewed and the crafts are of high quality at set prices.

Abu Dhabi Activities

Hili Fun City - a huge amusement park that has tons of games and sports for children as well as a rollercoaster, electric train and dodgem cars.

Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium - the zoo has an enormous collection of wildlife including endangered and rare species like the Arabian Gazelle and Arabian Oryx. There is also a large cat house, aviary and the only desert based aquarium with sea lions, penguins and over 50 species of fish.

Abu Dhabi Parks & Gardens

Hili Gardens - the nearby gardens include ancient tombs, some of which are more than 4000 years old.

Qattarah Oasis - small but stunning, this oasis is studded by Date Palms and fruit orchards as well as archaelogical sites where some beautiful gold jewellery was found.

The Corniche - this boulevard is lined with lovely parks and has modern buildings and the sea as its backdrop.

Abu Dhabi Restaurants and Bars

Abu Dhabi has a large multiethnic community and this is reflected in the large diversity of cuisine that is available in the city. If you want to stick to something familiar, international fast food chains such as Wimpy and McDonalds are widely available, as are international theme restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe. If you are looking for something more authentic, Gulf and Middle Eastern food is widely available.

Fish from the Arabian Gulf is particularly good, try Tuna, Red Snapper or Kingfish grilled or fried with spices. Pork is not included on Arabic menues and hotels usualy use substitutes such as beef sausages and alcohol is only served in hotel bars and restaurants.

Abu Dhabi Restaurants

Shuja Yacht - breakwater opposite the Corniche. For something unique, eat at this floating seafood restaurant. Enjoy fantastic lunch or dinner as you cruise along the arabian sea.

A Birken - Le Meridien Hotel, Sheik Zayed 2nd street. Popular with the Lebanese community because of its delicious mezze, kebabs, fried chicken and lamb and fantastic hot Arabic bread. The desserts are indulgent and the decor is traditional. At 10:00pm the arabic music and bellydancing gets going.

Bonsai - Abu Dhabi Health and Fitness Club, 19th street - an excellent menu of Japanese specialities are served up by three specially trained chefs.

Bangkok Garden - 18 Elm street, Midtown. Serving mouth watering authentic Thai food in stunning surroundings. Incense, blooming orchids and a stream all help to create a dreamy atmosphere and the service is attentive and extremly efficient.

Pregos - Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers, Tourist Club Area. a mixture of stylish and modern and traditional Italian trattoria with an open theatre kitchen and wood fired oven. The food is superb and the views of the sea from the open air terrace are lovely.

Abu Dhabi Bars & Clubs

PJ O Reilly's - Abu Dhabi Grand. A wonderfully authentic Irish pub where you can enjoy a pint of Guiness.

The jazz Bar - Hilton Hotel. Excellent live jazz venue.

The Gauloises Club - Le Meridien Hotel. The most stylish nightclub in town with a smart dress code.

Illusions - Abu Dhabi Grand. a lively vibe exists at this trendy nightclub.

49 ers - Dana Hotel. This venue is a combination of bar, Tex Mex diner and nightclb that is extremly popular at all times of day and night.

Abu Dhabi Tours

Looking for organised tours in Abu Dhabi?

• Al Gharbia Tour
• Abu Dhabi Manhattan of the Middle East
• Seawings Emirates Palace Package