ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi, by far the largest emirate, is ruled
by the Al Nahyan family. It occupies 67,340 square kilometres or 86.7% of the
total area of the country. The emirate is primarily a vast desert area with about
two dozen islands in the coastal waters, including the island where the city of
Abu Dhabi is located, plus six sizeable islands further out in the Arabian
Gulf. The population of the emirate is concentrated in three areas: the capital
city, Abu Dhabi; Al Ain, an oasis city located near the Hajar Mountains; and
the villages of the Liwa oases.
Traditionally, the population along the coast
relied on fishing and pearling for their livelihood, whilst those in the
hinterland relied on date plantations and camel herding. Through remarkable
leadership and personal commitment, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan developed Abu Dhabi into an influential, fully modernised state. Upon
Sheikh Zayed's death in November 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
became UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.