Abu Dhabi
In 1761, a hunting party led by Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan discovered fresh water near the coast of what is now Abu Dhabi. This discovery prompted the establishment of a settlement that would eventually become the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Bani Yas tribe, specifically the Al Bu Falah subsection, were the first to build homes in this new location. Originally, the town consisted of a fort and twenty houses. Within two years, the settlement had grown to include some 400 houses. The fort remains at the center of Abu Dhabi today as Qasr Al Hosn.
Archaeological evidence from the Umm Al Nar Culture dates back to the third millennium BC, showing human presence long before the modern city was founded. The area surrounding Abu Dhabi abounds with historical sites from various civilizations. In the 2nd of December 1971, Abu Dhabi joined five other emirates to form the United Arab Emirates. This union marked the establishment of a federal government and the appointment of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as the first President of the UAE.
On the 5th of January 1936, Petroleum Development Trucial Coast Ltd entered into a concession agreement with Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan to explore for oil. A seventy-five-year concession followed in January 1939. However, inland exploration faced significant difficulties due to the desert terrain. In 1958, using a marine drilling platform called ADMA Enterprise, oil was discovered in the Umm Shaif field at a depth of about 3,000 meters. This discovery was followed by PDTC's onshore well at Murban No.3 in 1959.
The pearl diving business had been a key industry prior to these discoveries. Pearl divers would dive for one to three minutes and could make up to thirty dives per day without any mechanical devices. They used leather nose clips and coverings on their fingers and big toes to protect themselves while searching for oysters. The pearl industry boomed from the late 19th century through the second decade of the 20th century but began declining as interest grew in oil possibilities. By the 6th of August 1966, perceived mismanagement of oil revenues led to a bloodless coup where Zayed Al Nahyan replaced his brother Shakhbut.
Japanese architect Katsuhiko Takahashi planned Abu Dhabi under Sheikh Zayed's guidance in 1967 for an initial population of 40,000. The city now features high-density tower blocks and wide grid-pattern roads. Principal thoroughfares include the Corniche, Airport Road, Sheikh Zayed Street, Hamdan Street, and Khalifa Street. The Corniche is about 8 kilometers long and serves as a seaside promenade with gardens and playgrounds.
Construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque began on the 5th of November 1996, using materials from countries including Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Iran, China, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece, and the UAE. More than 3,000 workers and 38 contracting companies participated in building the mosque. The internal prayer halls opened in December 2007, capable of safely containing approximately 41,000 people. In September 2007, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council published Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 to guide future development.
Abu Dhabi holds 9% of the world's proven oil reserves totaling 98.2 billion barrels and almost 5% of global natural gas. As of April 2022, UAE oil production reached about 3.0 million barrels per day. The government diversified its economic plans starting in 2009 when non-oil and gas GDP outstripped energy sector contributions. Non-oil and gas now constitute 64% of the UAE's total GDP.
In 2018, Abu Dhabi launched Ghadan 21 with a total injection of AED 50 billion across four main areas: business and investment, society, knowledge and innovation, and lifestyle. The first phase included over 50 initiatives reflecting priorities of citizens, residents, and investors. By July 2019, Abu Dhabi allocated $163 million to finance global entertainment partners as part of diversifying the economy away from oil dependence. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority manages approximately US$1 trillion in assets, making it the world's third-largest sovereign wealth fund.
The oldest connection between the main island and mainland is Al Maqta Bridge, built in 1968 as part of the E22 highway. The second Mussafah Bridge opened in 1977, now part of the E20 highway. The third bridge, Sheikh Zayed Bridge designed by Zaha Hadid, opened in late 2010 as part of the E10 highway. In 2023, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Umm Yifeenah Bridge, an 11-kilometer highway connection between Al Reem Island and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street.
Zayed International Airport serves as the city's main aviation hub with passenger numbers rising by 17.2 percent in 2015, exceeding 23 million travelers that year. On the 5th of December 2024, the airport won the title of World's Most Beautiful Airport at the Prix Versailles award. Public transport systems include buses, taxis, ferries, and hydroplanes. In 2022, Abu Dhabi launched autonomous self-driving public transport options on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center was established to manage day-to-day operations as a place of worship and Friday gathering. It also functions as a center of learning through education and visitor programs. In July 2019, TripAdvisor listed the mosque among top global attractions, placing it number three out of 750 landmarks from 68 countries. The Abrahamic Family House opened to the public on the 1st of March 2023, featuring the Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue.
As of recent estimates, 477,000 of 2,650,000 people living in the emirate were UAE nationals while approximately 80% of the population were expatriates. The median age in the emirate was about 30.1 years with a crude birth rate of 13.6% and death rate of about 2%. Major holidays include Eid al Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, Eid ul-Adha marking the end of Hajj, and National Day on December 2 commemorating the
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Common questions
When was Abu Dhabi founded as a settlement?
Abu Dhabi was established as a settlement in 1761 after Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa Al Nahyan discovered fresh water near the coast. The Bani Yas tribe, specifically the Al Bu Falah subsection, built the first homes including a fort and twenty houses.
Who became the first President of the United Arab Emirates when it formed on the 2nd of December 1971?
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was appointed as the first President of the UAE upon its formation on the 2nd of December 1971. He led the union of six emirates to establish a federal government structure.
What date did oil get discovered in the Umm Shaif field using the ADMA Enterprise platform?
Oil was discovered in the Umm Shaif field in 1958 using the marine drilling platform called ADMA Enterprise at a depth of about 3,000 meters. This discovery followed a concession agreement signed by Petroleum Development Trucial Coast Ltd with Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan on the 5th of January 1936.
When did construction begin on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and how many workers participated?
Construction of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque began on the 5th of November 1996 involving more than 3,000 workers and 38 contracting companies. The internal prayer halls opened in December 2007 capable of safely containing approximately 41,000 people.
How much money did Abu Dhabi allocate to finance global entertainment partners by July 2019?
By July 2019, Abu Dhabi allocated $163 million to finance global entertainment partners as part of diversifying the economy away from oil dependence. This initiative supported efforts to reduce reliance on energy sector contributions which had previously dominated GDP.