Nadia Idriss Mayen: Abu Dhabi, My Home

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The words Abu Dhabi comes from the Arabic meaning Father of the Gazelle. It is the largest city and is located in the north central part of the UAE. It is the history of this city that makes the capital a much admired place of architecture, wealth and flawless attractions. Known as leading global city, Abu Dhabi is exerting an influential power over worldwide commerce, finance, culture, and entertainment. Abu Dhabi is also known for its luxury through its beauty that you may find through the whole city. The city is filled with stunning gardens and mirror-glass buildings that portray its modern Arabian Fashion.

The history of Abu Dhabi began from a simple lifestyle, later due to its great success of oil reservoir; the formerly simple island has become midpoint of business and tourist centre point.

Its population census is an estimate of 950,000, second largest population in the UAE after Dubai its neighboring city.

In the history of Abu Dhabi, parts of the region were controlled by a superior tribal called the Bani Yas. The city grew a large economic market for pearl diving, that later collapse in the world market in the early 20th century. Later in the 1939, the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheik Shakbut settled an oil dispensation in the region.

Although the city had only a population of around 15,000, the city’s economic conditions raised and peaked in the market with its oil progress.

In the early 20th century, the capital was thrust into dismal economic conditions immediately after the collapse of world pearl market; which event from Abu Dhabi history marked a big turning point in the society. Its leap toward big economic rising is remarkably noted in the Abu Dhabi history.

The Abu Dhabi’s ruler, in 1939, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan approved the concession of petroleum. The capital city, based on the tread of Abu Dhabi history was determined to reach the peak of its industrial or oil progress even when its population is approximately 15,000. In the early 1960’s the first low-rise solid buildings were built. In December 2, 1971, the UAE established its independence and had its first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The United Arab Emirates Presidency and Premiership are divided by the traditional heredity families of the region. Abu Dhabi ruled by the Al Nahyan Family and Dubai by the Al Maktoum. Each of the seven Emirates also has its elected Council Ministers, which are appointed by The Supreme Court. Forty members are elected for the federal National Council to which is chosen from all the emirates.

Today the Federal Supreme Council has elected Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, son of the first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Abu Dhabi is known for its luxuries. It is filled with busy shops, restaurants, spas and offices. The occupants of Abu Dhabi come from all different countries of the globe that make it an international city.

Living in Abu Dhabi is very easy and practical you get your choices between a building with a sea-view or a huge house by a garden. If you’re not working, you’re either enjoying time by the beach or fine dining in an exquisite restaurant. Stores are open for many hours and thanks to globalization you can find French brands to American Brands. It’s a peaceful yet exciting city, compared to its neighboring city Dubai it’s very calm and a family city where you find children playing and families enjoying their time together.

(Nadia Idriss Mayen is Executive Producer of Al Arabiya English Web TV. She can be reached at: [e-mail]. This was first published on her blog: http://follownana.blogspot.com/)