United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Emirate
Region
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is by far the largest of the seven emirates, covering most of the country's land area.
by Felix Gillen
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is by far the largest of the seven emirates, covering most of the country's land area. It stretches from the capital on the Gulf coast, via the oasis city Al Ain on the Omani border, to the Liwa Oases on the edge of the Rub al-Chali.
Three RegionsThe Emirate is divided into the Abu Dhabi region around the capital, Al Ain in the east, and Al Dhafra in the west. Around 60 percent of the approximately four million inhabitants live in the Abu Dhabi region, and Al Dhafra is the most sparsely populated region, its main town being Madinat Zayed.Things to SeeIn the capital are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn Fort, and on Saadiyat Island, a museum district with the Louvre and Zayed National Museum. Al Ain, with its oases, forts, and the Hili Tombs, is the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site; the 1,249-meter-high Jebel Hafeet is the Emirate's only mountain. To the southwest are the Liwa Oases with the approximately 300-meter-high Tal Moreeb dune.Getting Around the EmirateArrival is usually at Zayed International Airport (AUH) near Abu Dhabi. Buses connect the capital with Dubai and Al Ain. Etihad Rail has been operating from Mohammed Bin Zayed City to Fujairah since 2026 and to Dubai since September 30, 2026. For Al Ain and especially for Liwa, a rental car is the most flexible choice.
Food and Drinks
In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the cuisine ranges from the fish market in the capital's port to the date gardens of Liwa and the camel farms near Al Ain. Everywhere, Arabian coffee is part of the hospitality.
Fish Market in Mina Zayed
Opened in 2022, the fish market in Mina Zayed's harbor district sells Gulf fish like Hammour, Sheri, and Kingfish, with auctions held at dawn. You can have your fish cleaned on-site and then grilled, fried, or steamed at the market's eateries.
Gahwa, Arabic coffee
The coffee is brewed with cardamom and poured from the Dallah pot into small cups, each only about a quarter full. Taking and returning the cup is done with the right hand; one to three cups are customary. Since 2015, Arabian coffee has been on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
Rutab from Liwa
At the Liwa Dates Festival in the Al Dhafra region (July 14-23, 2026), everything revolves around Rutab, semi-ripe fresh dates. There are competitions for dates and fruit and a market with Rutab and other farm produce.
Camel milk from Al Ain
Al Ain Farms has kept camels since 2001, today around 1,800 animals, and sells milk, laban and ice cream under the Camelait name. The camel milk ice cream comes in flavours such as date, saffron or cardamom.
History and Culture
From Liwa to the CoastThe ruling Al Nahyan family originated in the Liwa Oases and moved its seat to Abu Dhabi in 1793, where the Bani Yas tribe had founded a settlement in 1761 after discovering fresh water. Until the early 20th century, the coast thrived on pearl diving, while the oases relied on date cultivation.Oil and TransformationWith the discovery of oil off the coast in 1958, a rapid transformation began, turning the coastal settlement into a major city. Today, Abu Dhabi is the capital and seat of government of the United Arab Emirates.Culture TodayThe Emirate invests heavily in museums: On Saadiyat Island, three new institutions opened in 2025, with the Guggenheim set to follow in December 2026. Traditional festivals, such as the Date Festival in Liwa in July, keep the rural heritage alive.
Getting There and Around
AirportBus lines A1 and A2 run from Zayed International Airport (AUH) around the clock into the city; payment is made with the Hafilat card.Bus and RailDubai: Bus line E101 from the Central Bus Station in Al Wahda to Ibn Battuta; also, since September 30, 2026, Etihad Rail from Mohammed Bin Zayed City to Al Yalayis in Dubai, journey time approximately 64 minutes.Al Ain: Buses from the Central Bus Station, approximately two to two and a half hours journey time.Al Dhafra: Etihad Rail plans additional stations in the region by late 2026, including Madinat Zayed and Mezairaa in the Liwa Oasis.By CarAl Ain is located approximately 160 kilometers east, the Liwa Oases are approximately 150 kilometers southwest of the capital. For excursions into the desert and up Jebel Hafeet, a rental car is practical.
