Abu Dhabi, surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the wild desert sands of the Arabian Desert; is the place where traditions and modern life meet, where luxury and opulence are found on every street corner!

Be prepared to live the perfect Arabian Experience, the 1001 Nights blended to modern and futuristic attractions.

Abu Dhabi Travel Guide

Abu Dhabi's peculiarity is having several destinations in the destination itself.

It is the largest of the seven Emirates and offers a variety of options for an event or incentive trip.

You may opt for an adrenaline theme focusing your trip on Yas Island, with the modern F1 Circuit, Ferrari World, teambuilding activities in the mangroves or the beautiful beaches.

If you prefer an adventurous theme you can plan your trip around the Empty Quarter, stunning desert dunes up to 300 metres, with the most fascinating Desert Resorts set in surreal surroundings. From the Sand to the Water you can pamper your guests on board of a Catamaran cruise followed by lunch and party on a private island, and for an amazing Arabian Nights finale of your incentive or event, the stunning Emirates Palace is one of the must.

Destinations in to the Destination

Abu Dhabi Borders

North: Arabian Gulf (Also called Persian Gulf)

West: Saudi Arabia (KSA)

South: Saudi Arabia & Oman

East: Dubai & Sharjah

Population: 613,368 (2012) Abu Dhabi is the largest and most populated of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, with over 80% of its landmass. The emirate's population, now over 1.6 million, is expected to reach 3 million by 2030. Across the UAE, Emirati citizens make up nearly 20% of the total population; the other 80% are expatriates from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America.

Area: 375.5 sq miles (972.4 km²)

Yas Island- Dubai Marina: 93 Km - 45/50 mins

Airport - Dubai Airport: 130 Km - 75 mins

Yas Island - Liwa: 200 Km - 90/120 mins

Yas Island - Sharjah: 140 Km - 80/90 mins

Yas Island - Ajman: 150 Km - 90/100 mins

Yas Island - Umm Al Quwain: 180 Km - 100/110 mins

Yas Island - Ras Al Khaimah: 220 Km - 120/130 mins

Yas Island - Fujairah: 269 Km - 170/180 mins

Abu Dhabi International Airport (IATA: AUH) Currently the second largest airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and one of the fastest growing airport hubs globally, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) serves over 94 destinations in 56 countries.

Al Ain International Airport (IATA: AAN) Operating since 1994, Al Ain International Airport is Abu Dhabi’s second international airport. Located 18km northwest of Al Ain City, the airport was originally built to serve 1,000 passengers per peak hour.

Al Bateen Executive Airport (IATA: AZI) Named the “Second Best Executive Airport in the World” by European Business Aviation News in 2013, Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi is the only exclusive business aviation airport in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Delma Airport (IATA: ZDY) Lying 250 kilometres south west of the capital and once a centre of pearl diving, Delma Island covers an area of 45 square kilometres.

Delma Airport plays a vital role in the development of the island, linking its local population of 6,000 to the UAE by providing residents with a convenient 45 minute flight connection to Abu Dhabi.

Sir Bani Yas Airport (IATA: XSB) Operating since 2008, Sir Bani Yas Airport caters mainly to tourists visiting the Natural Island. It is located 250km southwest of Abu Dhabi coast in the Western Region.

Zayed Port is Abu Dhabi’s oldest commercial port and has been the main city port for the last 40 years. Located in the north eastern part of the emirate, it covers an area of 5.1 square kilometers and consists of three basins: Zayed Port basin for deep-water vessels (cruise liners and general cargo vessels).

According to Bilal al-Budoor, assistant under-secretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development, "The area had a lot of dhibaa [deer (plural)], and was nicknamed after that." An old story tells about a man who used to chase deer [dhabi (deer - singular)] and was named the "father" of the animal. Abu Dhabi's original name was Milh "salt", possibly referring to the salty water of the Persian Gulf, or the ancient salt marshes that surround the city. Some Bedouins called the city Umm Dhabi (mother of deer), while British records refer to the place as Abu Dhabi. According to some historical accounts, the name Abu Dhabi was first used more than 300 years ago. The first word of Abu Dhabi is pronounced "Bu" by inhabitants on the city's western coast. In the eastern part of the city, the pronunciation is "Abu

The origin of the name "Abu Dhabi" is uncertain. Meaning "Father of Deer", when literally translated from Arabic, it's probably referred to the few gazelles that inhabit the emirate.

The Origins of the name Abu Dhabi

Engage while in Abu Dhabi

Whether you want to experience the speed of the world’s fastest roller-coaster atFerrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest indoor theme park; spend an afternoon at the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, while learning about Abu Dhabi’s culture and religion; experience Arabia with a trip to the enticing Oasis City of Al Ain – the emirate’s heritage heartland; or marvel at the peaceful Liwa desert, the entrance to the famed Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass with some of the tallest sand dunes on earth – the options are as diverse as the terrain.

Find Abu Dhabi's complete list of activities here