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United Arab Emirates Consistently breaking records for developing faster than anywhere else in history. Over the past few decades, the capital, Abu Dhabi, has transformed into one of the world’s most glamorous metropolises, from a tribal desert peninsula to a luxury business, education and tourism destination for the wealthy. That’s how Abu Dhabi travel has changed over the past 20 years.
In 2001, less than half a million people lived in Abu Dhabi. Today, that number has tripled. The city’s economy and infrastructure have expanded to attract and accommodate more than one million residents. In addition to its residents, however, the city is crowded with tourists and tourists from all over the world. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Abu Dhabi had around 12 million tourists a year. What exactly do millions of people flock to see, and how did a previously unremarkable city in the desert become such an attractive tourist hub?
Summer in Abu Dhabi is unbearably hot. This is the biggest challenge facing the city. Across the Middle East, the solution to the heat is the presence of shopping malls. With being outdoors almost impossible during the summer months, residents and tourists alike retreat to the air-conditioned bliss of a gorgeous mall. Abu Dhabi’s shopping malls are architectural and cultural landmarks, oasis of luxury dining, exciting events and luxury accommodation, and retail shopping.
Abu Dhabi’s first two major shopping malls were built only 20 years ago. The Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall are the capital’s glittering staples. This is the first step in building the metropolis into a global hub.
In 2003, the UAE began operating its super-successful airline, Etihad Airways. Based in Abu Dhabi, the airline connects the city with the rest of the world, making it cheaper and easier to visit than ever before.Today, Etihad Airways is among the top 20 airlines worldwide.
Capitalizing on this momentum, the first major luxury resort opened in Abu Dhabi in 2005. The Emirates Palace Hotel is a five-star hotel with luxurious rooms, whirlpool Jacuzzis and butler service. This palatial resort has a private beach, tennis courts, spa, and just about everything a super-rich tourist can think of.
- hotel: Emirates Palace
- address: West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Price per night: $602 per night for Coral Twin Suite; $10,600 per night for Three-Bedroom Palace Suite
In 2007, one of the most iconic places of worship was built in Abu Dhabi. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural masterpiece that attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims every year. It is the largest mosque in the country and houses a collection of rare books on theological, calligraphic and scientific subjects. The mosque was built with precious stones from all over the world, and one of the chandeliers alone has thousands of Swarovski crystals.
The following year, 2008, the first public bus service was put into operation in order to facilitate transportation within the city. Before that, tourists and residents completely relied on cars and taxis. For the first year, buses are completely free and serve the CBD and surrounding suburbs. It also connects the various islands that make up the capital.
By then, the city had already built enough infrastructure for mass tourism that in 2009, Abu Dhabi hosted the Grand Prix, making it the center of global attention.In the same year, construction started Louvre Abu Dhabi, the sister of the iconic museum of the same name in Paris. This corresponding museum houses rare artworks from deep in history, all housed in one of the most unique architectural structures in the world. It has been described as France’s largest cultural project abroad.
The following year, taking advantage of the influx of tourism, Ferrari World opened. The Italian sports car company has created a sprawling campus that showcases the true power of the Ferrari brand. It features everything from high-end markets to amusement parks.
In 2011, in another remarkable feat of globalism and economic success, the Guggenheim Museum opened in Abu Dhabi. This is an overseas edition of New York City’s iconic museum that competes with the original in cultural value and style.
That same year, Abu Dhabi erected a postmodern building to pay homage to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Capital Gate Tower is the Middle East’s neon, futuristic leaning tower, giving the region a landmark that symbolizes its successful rise for centuries to come.
In 2014, one of the largest and most expensive universities opened a campus in Abu Dhabi. NYU partners with the Abu Dhabi government to expand the educational significance of the Middle East, hosting renowned professors and scholars from around the world. More than a thousand years ago, the Levant was a global center for business and higher education. The opening of NYU Abu Dhabi is a symbolic revival of lost heritage and status in the modern world.
Some might say that the biggest event to commemorate Abu Dhabi’s transformation took place in 2019. For centuries, the country and the entire region have been defined by its Islamic identity. That changed when Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi. This marks the first time a pope has visited the Arabian Peninsula in history. With Western Catholic leaders establishing official diplomatic recognition, Abu Dhabi has officially become a global economic and tourism hub, alongside major cities such as New York, Hong Kong and London.
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