Abu Dhabi
It may seem impossible to erect such a magnificent and highly developed city like Abu Dhabi in the middle of the desert, but with the right circumstances and proper urban planning, Abu Dhabi is now one of the world’s most envied cities. Abu Dhabi is one of the seven city states that comprise the Kingdoms of United Arab Emirates or UAE. Today, Abu Dhabi is recognized as one of the fastest growing financial hubs in the world, and is currently one of the worlds largest producers of oil. This is one of the reasons why such a city like Abu Dhabi could generate revenues that surpass many of the worlds top economies.
Not only is Abu Dhabi one of the world’s richest states, it is also admired as having the most beautiful modern architectural wonders in the world, especially when it comes to skyscrapers, hotels, and temples, which are almost always designed with grandeur in mind.
Economy
Economically, the city generates most the revenue of the UAE, accounting for over 56% of the kingdom’s total revenues. It derives much of this revenue from the large deposits of oil it controls, which is why fuel is so cheap in this highly advanced city. Worldwide, over one trillion dollars is invested in Abu Dhabi every year. The city’s GDP per capita or how much each worker earns annually in Abu Dhabi is the third highest in the world, with average incomes amounting to $63,000 per person. Because of this high rate of income, a lot of people especially from the developing countries, consider Abu Dhabi as the top destination for contractual jobs.
Demographics
Majority of the people that make up the population of Abu Dhabi come from different countries in the world. The city is one of the most diverse in the world when it comes to ethnicity, with worker migrants coming from the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and United Kingdom, to name a few. Abu Dhabi has an area of 67,000 square kilometers, or 26,000 square miles with a population density of 21 persons per square kilometer, or 56 persons per square mile one of the lowest in the world. It has a population of less than 1.5 million people according to the census taken in 2008.
Attractions
The city is also the cultural, financial, and Federal capital of the UAE. Among its most famous attractions are the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, also known as the grand Mosque, which is the third largest mosque in the world. The Heritage Village located near the Breakwater in the middle of the city is like a living museum that exhibits Bedouin tradition and lifestyle. One can also take a look at the famous 7-star hotel, the Emirate Palace Hotel, which is unsurpassed anywhere in the world in terms of elegance, grandeur, accommodation, and comfort.
Abu Dhabi is looked upon by many leaders and countries as a model city that is hoped to be duplicated around the world. It symbolizes prosperity, strength, modernity and development unequaled in many of the world’s best cities.