Abu Dhabi, which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits off the mainland on an island in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf. Its focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping megacentres such as Abu Dhabi and Marina malls. It is the second most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island.

Abu Dhabi’s rapid development and urbanization, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transferred the city in to a large and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country’s centre of political and industrial activities, and a major cultural and commercial centre, due to its position as the capital. Abu Dhabi accounts for about two-thirds of the roughly $400- billion united emirates economy.