The city is an island in the Gulf and linked by two bridges to the mainland with the same name. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven that comprise the UAE. With an area off 67,340 sq/Km. It forms 86.67 percent of the country's total land surface.

Established in 1761, Abu Dhabi city has witnessed within the last two decades immense changes that have transformed it from a small town to a modern city.

Many islands fall within the Emirate's territory. Das, located 170 km north west of the capital, is 3 sq/km. Mubraz and Sir Bani Yas, 180 km west, are two others.

The desert dominates the Emirate's terrain covering 70 percent of the total area. In the middle of the Emirate are AlDhafra and Liwa, where greenery abounds and water resources are located.

Of the seven emirates making up the UAE Abu Dhabi is by far the largest, constituting 80% of the nations land area. This includes some 200 islands. Abu Dhabi city is located on one of these islands and holds all the charm and excitement of a capital city. Although much of the Emirates is desert, Abu Dhabi is a lush, green paradise with wide tree lined Boulevards beautiful parks and scenic vistas.

Outside of Abu Dhabi city most of the emirates is desert with the exception of the oases of Al Ain and Liwa. Liwa is about a five-hour drive from the capital city and passes through some of the largest sand dunes in the world. The oasis itself is one of the largest in the Arabian peninsula and the gateway to Rub Al Khali.

Al Ain is an oasis city and the second largest in the emirates of Abu Dhabi. Having a history dating back to the 4 millennium BC, Al Ain has only grown into the modern city it is today since unification. Planned as a garden city, the visitor is taken by the multitude of roundabouts, each offering a unique display of water, landscaping and sculpture. Boulevards are tree lined and there are no high-rise buildings. Al Ain is the home of UAE University, the nations largest museum, a huge zoo, and many parks, gardens and guesthouses. It is also one of the nation’s leading agricultural centers and is now serviced by a new international airport.

Back in the city of Abu Dhabi there is no lack of things to do. For those wanting a taste of traditional Arab hospitality, a visit to the National Heritage Village offers that and more in traditional huts and tents, one can view the old, harsh way of life of the genuine pearling boat. After seeing the ways of the past you may want to see how Abu Dhabi got to be what it is today. For that, a trip to the petroleum Exhibition will teach you all about the petroleum industry from composition and formation to transporting and refining.

Abu Dhabi also has its share of parks and gardens, world class shopping, beaches (including one for ladies only), ice-skating, scuba diving, camel racing, antique shops and old forts. The only problem is deciding what to do first.

Between the 16th and 18th centuries, like other countries in the region, the UAE felt the impact of the early European colonial powers, Portugal and Holland, but by the late 18th century the British appeared on the scene as they established their control over India. At the beginning of the 19th century, the Qassimi state in the northern emirates, able to put nearly 20,000 sailors to sea, clashed with the british, leading to a permanent British presence. Between 1820 and 1971 the area now comprising the UAE, then known as the Trucial States, was in special treaty relations with Britain . In 1971, the federation was created, with the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, being elected President, a post he continues to hold today.

The top tier of Government is the Federal Supreme Council, comprising the seven Ruler. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa of Abu Dhabi is President, while His Highness sheikh Mahamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, is Vice President and Prime Minister. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The country's Parliament is known as the Federal National Council, and has 40 members chosen from each of the UAE's constituent emirates. Also of significance in determining the foreign policy of the UAE is its membership of the Arab League and the Islamic Conference Organization, while the country works closely with the United Nations and its affiliate bodies.

The UAE is also a major donor of international aid through the Abu Dhabi Fund for development, with over 40 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle of East having received concessionary loans to assist them in the building of their social and economic infrastructure.

With the experience of two major conflicts in the Arabian Gulf region over the course of the last 15 years, the United Arab Emirates bases its defense policy upon its membership of the AGCC, while it also maintains close and friendly relations with other states concerned with the maintenance of security and stability of the Arabian Gulf. Defense agreements have recently been signed with the United States and France.

The UAE adopts a procurement policy determined by the requirements of its own armed forces, and with widely diversified sources of supply.