Returning to... Abu Dhabi

As I write this, Mike is still reclining in the business class seating of an Emirates flight to Dubai. Yes, he is returning to Dubai, but this time without the whole family. Since the last trip was more of a discovery tour, this time Mike has a few different objective. He will be in the UAE from April 23 through May 8, and will be attending the Arabian Travel Market while there. He will also be familiarizing himself with Abu Dhabi, since Dubai was our primary focus during the last trip. Abu Dhabi is considered the cultural epicenter of the UAE, with amazing plans of development in the next several years. To give you a little background about Abu Dhabi, so you will be familiar with it, here are some key facts to know.

-Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It became the capital after the country's independence in 1971.
- It is the largest of seven emirates that comprise the UAE. The other six are Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain.
- The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahayan, is also the first president of the UAE.
- Abu Dhabi is one of the world's most modern and progressive cities.
- Abu Dhabi is also one of the wealthiest states of the world. However, before the discovery of oil in the region, it was the poorest of sheikhdoms.
- Abu Dhabi has about 70 per cent of the UAE's wealth.
- Abu Dhabi city lies on a T-shaped island that juts into the Persian Gulf from the western coast.
- The emirate is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Oman, and has a total area of 82,880 square kilometers. Abu Dhabi's coastline extends to about 1,318 kilometers.
-Most of the citizens in Abu Dhabi wear the national dress. Women wear the full length black abaya and men wear the long white thobe or dishdasha.
- As per their religion, Muslims in Abu Dhabi are not allowed to consume alcohol in any of its forms. Non-Muslims need to have a special license to buy alcohol in the city.

We are excited to hear about everything that Mike will be doing in the UAE for the next 2 1/2 weeks. From what happened on our last trip, I'm sure that this will be quite an adventure!!