The capital of the UAE and the seat of several key positions, Abu Dhabi, is steadily gaining a name for itself as a tourist hotspot. Apart from being a tourist destination, it has also become a hub for expatriates seeking work in finer positions for lucrative jobs. A haven for luxury cars, Abu Dhabi, boasts of a number unparalleled anywhere in the world. Apart from this, several art galleries have opened up in the recent past, indicating that the art scene in the emirate is growing. So here are some facts about Abu Dhabi that will give you a better insight into the beautiful Emirate.
1. Pearl Trade
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Before the discovery of oil fields, pearl trading was the key industry responsible for contributing to Abu Dhabi’s economy. Scouring for pearls in the Persian Gulf, divers used to dive sans any breathing equipment and used their natural lung capacity to do the needful. Following decades of successful trading, a shortage of occurrence was faced coupled along with the burgeoning commercial process of synthesizing artificial pearls. Facing extinction, the industry spiraled to an all-time low and was left no longer functioning by the mid-1930s.
2. Take me to Races
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The Formula One, or F1 Races, are held each year in Abu Dhabi ever since 2009. On an island, the Yas Marina Circuit holds the event each year in November. These Formula One Motorsport races are spectacular to witness and are a huge draw for thousands of tourists each year. In case you were curious, the Yes Marina Circuit costs 3.6 billion AED to build! The track can be split into two separate tracks which can host two races at the same time!
Also known as the Formula One or F1 races, these races are famed to have taken place in countries having race tracks that fit the bill. With Abu Dhabi bagging the rights to hold a race from every season in the country, spectators are known for flocking the races scheduled to be held here. Situated on an island, the Yes Marina track is a state-of-the-art race track capable of several feats and known for its impeccable track achievements.
Never in the history of the Grand Prix, has a race been held during the evening. However, all this changed in November 2008. Fully equipped with floodlights capable of blinding one, the races here took place during the evening with the floodlights being turned on to illuminate the track.
3. All about automobiles
The Ferrari Theme Park opened in 2010 in Abu Dhabi and is a wonder! It features various rides that are renowned for their breakneck speeds. The roller coaster at the Ferrari Theme park, called the Formula Rossa, is regarded as the fastest roller coaster in the world! It is 2.2km long and can reach a speed of 240 km per hour.
4. The safest city in the world
The safety of an individual, be it a citizen or a tourist, is of paramount importance and bears testament to the city's ongoing efforts, towards establishing itself as a world-renowned one. Taking various factors into account, Abu Dhabi was consecutively ranked the safest city twice, both in 2018 and 2019. Initially securing 86.46 points out of 100 in 2018, it subsequently rose to 88.26 in 2019; thereby shooting past 338 cities to bag the title of - ‘The Safest city in the World’.
5. Medical tourism
With efforts being vested in diversifying its GDP, Abu Dhabi has been exploring various avenues and intends to transform itself into a major hub for medical tourism. New policies being drafted in its favor, lay down the guidelines which one should abide by, and dictate the procedures to be followed. While there is a bit of fine-tuning left to be done, the process of hiring world-class doctors and upgrading hospitals alongside constructing new ones has kicked off. Apart from this, various tourism programs are being revamped, keeping a patient’s needs in mind to suit their visit to the emirate. Bound to attract loads of people, Abu Dhabi is soon going to become the answer to one’s medical crisis.
6. Air-conditioned bus stop
This is a fact about Abu Dhabi that many people are oblivious of. In the sweltering heat of Abu Dhabi, with temperatures steadily inching towards the upper end of the mercury bulb, these air-conditioned bus stops offer some respite to travelers and on-goers. Fitted with air conditioners, seats, and see-through glass panes from top to bottom, these can be easily spotted in the hustle-bustle of the city. Plans to construct several such bus stops have been announced, with only 100 of them currently in existence.
7. Wacky Buildings
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Exceeding expectations and shattering records, the wacky structures of Abu Dhabi have gone on to prove time and again that the sky's the limit. Dubbed as an ‘innovative skyline’, they charm one with their fantastic design and near-impossible structures. Etihad Towers, Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi, Emirates hotel, the Louvre, Aldar headquarters are some of them to name a few.
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