Holidays - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the federal capital and center of government in the United Arab Emirates. It is the largest city of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and one of the most modern cities in the world. Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken and most road and shop signs and restaurant menus are in both languages. The further out of town you go, the more Arabic you will find, both written and spoken. There are three types of spoken Arabic in contemporary Abu Dhabi. The oldest form of the language is known as Classical Arabic (think Shakespearean English), which is not commonly spoken by Arabs today, at least not in their everyday conversations. Abu Dhabi is a fine example of how well an indigenous community which survived an adverse environment for thousands of years by observing a strict tribal code could absorb tremendous change of lifestyle and produce the best of two worlds within decades. The indigenous values, heritage and culture which were refined by the adoption of Islam over the past millennium or so, continue to thrive notwithstanding the ultra modern look, infrastructure and facilities and the cosmopolitan, moderately liberal lifestyle that characterise Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi boasted of a city of conventions and exhibitions but today it gaining importance for entertainment and shopping also. Various areas and islands in Abu Dhabi are developed to promote tourism including the Corniche & Yas and Saadiyat Island.