Abu Dhabi - Spectacular growth continues to lead the UAE

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates and was also the largest of the former Trucial States. Abu Dhabi is also a city of the same name within the Emirate that is the capital of the country, in north central UAE.

An Investors guide to Abu Dhabi

The capital of fine living - Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates. Ranked as the No.1 city in the Arab world in the annual survey by the Economist Group, Abu Dhabi has built a niche reputation for itself as a modern yet enchanting destination for both business and leisure. The city has a unique mix of abundant natural beauty, traditional Arabian charm and cosmopolitan sophistication. Its exotic coastline stretches over 200 islands, gently kissed by the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Combined with its beautiful beaches, myriad of water sports from sailing to diving and deep-sea fishing, top international resorts, designer shopping outlets and thriving business environment, Abu Dhabi is truly the capital of life.

Abu Dhabi
The city lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. An estimated 1,000,000 people lived there in 2000, with about an 80% expatriate population. The Emirate has approximately 70% of the country's entire wealth. Al Ain is Abu Dhabi's second largest urban area with a population of 348,000 (2003 census estimate) and is located 150 kilometers inland.

Parts of Abu Dhabi were settled as far back as the 3rd millennium BC and its early history fits the nomadic, herding and fishing pattern typical of the broader region. Modern Abu Dhabi traces its origins to the rise of an important tribal confederation the Bani Yas in the late 18th century, who also assumed control of Dubai. In the 19th century the Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches parted ways.

Into the mid-20th century, the economy of Abu Dhabi continued to be sustained mainly by camel herding, production of dates and vegetables at the inland oasies of Al Ain and Liwa, and fishing and pearl diving off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, which was occupied mainly during the summer months. Most dwellings in Abu Dhabi City were, at this time constructed of palm fronds (barasti), with the better-off families occupying mud huts. The growth of the cultured pearl industry in the first half of the 20th century created hardship for residents of Abu Dhabi as pearls represented the largest export and main source of cash earnings.

In 1939, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan granted Petroleum concessions, and oil was first found in 1958. At first, oil money had a marginal impact. A few lowrise concete buildings were erected, and the first paved road was completed in 1961, but Sheikh Shakbut, uncertain whether the new oil royalties would last, took a cautious approach, preferring to save the revenue rather than investing it in development. His brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan, saw that oil wealth had the potential to transform Abu Dhabi. The ruling Al Nahayan family decided that Sheikh Zayed should replace his brother as Ruler and carry out his vision of developing the country. On August 6, 1966, with the assistance of the British, Sheikh Zayed became the new ruler.

With the announcement by Britain in 1968 that it would withdraw from the Gulf area by 1971, Sheikh Zayed became the main driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates. After the Emirates gained independence in 1971, oil wealth continued to flow to the area and traditional mud-brick huts were rapidly replaced with banks, boutiques and modern highrises.

If you are looking into purchasing or renting or trying to find a property for sale in Abu Dhabi you may be limited to the type of alterations you can make to the property. You will benefit from living in the environment of your choice plus, in many cases, your improvements will add to the value or saleability of your home - but always ask the local authorities, developers or agents on the ground who you found through using International Property Directory's services. If you are looking to rent out a property in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the world - it is wise to find out the possible rent that can be achieved or if there are any comparables available. Rental yields will vary according to location, market conditions and the property conditions itself.