1. Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The wider Abu Dhabi emirate occupies more than 80% of the country’s total landmass.
2. Unknown to most, Abu Dhabi is archipelagic with nearly 200 islands dotted along its coast - island-hopping is a popular pastime.
3. Abu Dhabi is on its way to becoming a global cultural centre with the creation of the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. This 27km² island lying 500 metres offshore the UAE capital is being transformed into a signature cultural, leisure and residential destination. The island will be home to the largest single concentration of premier cultural institutions including the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a performing arts centre and maritime museum – all designed by award-winning international architects.
4. The Al Ain Palace Museum was once the home of the late Sheikh Zayed and was a hub of political life. The palace became a museum in 1998 and has a large collection of material about the ruling family.
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5. The towering Jebel Hafeet heights, rising 1240 metres, afford an impressive view over Al Ain.
6. The Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort is the most progressive facility of its kind in the region, and is home to more than 4000 animals including the indigenous Arabian oryx and sand gazelle; at least 30% of the 180 species in the park are considered endangered.
7. The picturesque Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE’s most historic buildings. It has been carefully restored and houses a permanent exhibition of the work of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger – whom the locals affectionately refer to as Mubarak Bin London – and who famously crossed the Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter in the 1940s.
8. Al Gharbia makes up over two thirds of the UAE and is home to Liwa, an historic oasis town which sits at the entry to the Rub Al Khali – Empty Quarter – the world’s largest sand desert.
9. Moreeb Hill in the Liwa desert is, at 300 metres, one of the world’s tallest sand dunes. With a 50 degree incline to the top it is the pinnacle for desert driving enthusiasts.
10. Sir Bani Yas Island, a former Royal nature reserve, hosts the Arabian Wildlife Park with free-roaming animals including a 400-plus strong herd of Arabian Oryx (gazelles) - one of the world’s largest.
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