Everything in Abu Dhabi is modern, sleek and shiny. The United Arab Emirate's capital is often accused of being a rather soulless place, but that's going a bit too far: it's not exactly buzzing but it does have its attractions.

Apart from anything else, it's a big city for doing business. Abu Dhabi is by far the richest and most politically important of the UAE's seven emirates. It's hard to believe that this sprawling city was a bleak fishing and pearling village less than 50 years ago. Today, it's considered safe and secure for foreigners, although demonstrations and political gatherings are best avoided.

Population: 500,000 (estimated)
Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Main language: Arabic
Time: GMT/UTC plus 4 hours
Telephone Area Code: +971 2

Orientation

The city of Abu Dhabi sits at the head of a T-shaped island jutting into the Gulf off the central western coast of the UAE. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi represents over 85% of the total area of the UAE.

The airport is on the mainland, about 30km (18.6mi) north-east of the centre. The main business district is barely 1 sq km (0.4 sq mi), bounded by Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed and Istiglal Sts to the north, Zayed the Second St to the south, Khalid bin al-Walid St to the west and As Salam St to the east.