In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 14 in 2012, we present this story on Abu Dhabi, a city ready to break every boundary possible.
For some, the first impression of what we think life would be like in the Middle East would have come from Walt Disney’s 1992 classic animated film, Aladdin. Now, it is as if Abu Dhabi’s impressive skyline is a testament to the magic that was captured on film 20 years ago.
Like something straight out of a movie scene, there’s a certain magic about the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that is unique to Abu Dhabi. Picture yourself in the sweet embrace of the vivid sunset at Al Jahili fort, gazing at seemingly endless sand dunes, picturesque oases, or a mysterious desert wilderness – and find yourself transported to a thriving business metropolis rich.
The Beginning
The UAE comprises seven emirates, namely Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain. As the largest of the seven, Abu Dhabi occupies almost 87% of the UAE’s land mass, and has been designated its capital and seat of Federal Government which has a separate regional section for each emirate. each ruler retains absolute power within his emirate and a President oversees the entire UAE, a post currently held by sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al nahyan.
Occupying an island that juts out into the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi’s growth spurt began in 1958 with the discovery of substantial offshore oil reserves, with the bulk of them found in the emirate itself. This was during the time when Abu Dhabi and its neighbouring emirates combined were known as the Trucial states under British protection. After Britain ended its treaty agreement, the seven emirates united and became fully independent on the 2nd of December 1971. Thanks to the discovery of oil, petroleum exports stood at the forefront of its economy – a significant change from one that relied on herding, agriculture, and pearl diving.
Boarding for Business
Abu Dhabi is a major oil and gas exporter, and this lucrative industry has invited a host of foreign partners including exxonMobil and Shell, both of which have set up establishments in Abu Dhabi. This emirate accounts for 65% of the UAE’s economy and most of its oil production. it also boasts a GDP per capita estimate for 2011 amounting to US$48,500. According to reports, in the year 2011, oil accounted for 58.5% of Abu Dhabi’s GDP.
Recently, the Emirate has been gearing its economy away from oil and gas towards property and finance, as well as having its eye on venturing into tourism related sectors such as Business Tourism, for which it has major plans, in line with its long term goals of diversifying its economic goals – including the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) segment.
Quick Facts
- Official Name: United Arab Emirates
- Capital City: Abu Dhabi
- Major Cities: Al ‘Ain, Baniyas, Dubai, Ruwais
- System of Government: Constitutional Monarchy
- Head of State: H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahya
- Head of Government: Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid al-Maktum
- Official Currency: UAE Dirham (AED or Dhs)
- Official Language: Arabic (official), English (widely used)
- Corporate Tax Rate: Tax free
Abu Dhabi is now on a mission to develop a global reputation as the preferred choice for Business Tourism. This sector currently takes up a total of 80% of Abu Dhabi’s total hotel occupancy rate with 10% related to conferences, exhibitions and conferences.
Targets have also been set for the number of tourists the emirate hopes to welcome per year; 2.7 million by the year 2012, 4.9 million by 2020 and a total of 7.9 million by 2030. The US$28B Saadiyat Island Project developed by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), will help achieve these figures as it targets to attract 1.5 million visitors a year once it is completed by 2018.
The ADTA has also embarked on a new initiative called Abu Dhabi Advantage – a channel for active businesses in the same sector to invest in the emirate by representing it as a business tourism destination. exhibition and conference organisers are the main beneficiaries of the initiative, providing both financial and non-financial support for new business event proposals.
This three-year initiative by the ADTA looks into viable business events in line with the Abu Dhabi government’s year 2030 economic Vision. This ingenious initiative calls for business event organisers the world over who have workable proposals to participate in this initiative enabling them to receive government endorsement, leadership backing, start-up financial grants, cost rebates and marketing support.
Actively Abu Dhabi
As Abu Dhabi sits on one tenth of the planet’s oil, it may be hard to believe that the bustling metropolis we see today was once a remote pearling and fishing base. even in the face of all the riches that oil has brought, the culture of Abu Dhabi remains embedded with strong Arabic islamic traditions combined with islamic principles.
Business growth is imminent, and Abu Dhabi is set to be a global cultural centre with the development of the cultural district within saadiyat island. Upon completion it will be home to a large concentration of premier cultural institutions, all designed by award-winning international architects, including the Sheikh Zayed Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a performing arts centre and a maritime museum.
A world class symbol of Abu Dhabi is the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADneC), the Gulf’s largest exhibition centre that attracts about 1.5 million visitors yearly. This includes the Capital Centre development making it the world’s first fully inter-connected exhibition lifestyle destination. Combined with top state of the art facilities, ADneC drives the growth of Abu Dhabi’s exhibitions, conventions and live event sectors. it has an area of 55,000sqm with fully interconnected exhibition floor space stretching over 12 halls, as well as a sprawling outdoor exhibition space. This enables it to easily house the world’s major exhibitions.
There are many incredible sights in Abu Dhabi, including one of the UAE’s most historic landmarks, the picturesque Al Jahili Fort – where the founder of the nation, the late sheik Zayed bin sultan Al nahyan was born. Built in 1898 by sheik Zayed the First, the fort is situated on the border with Oman. This cultural symbol of the UAE is set in incredibly landscaped gardens which visitors are encouraged to explore.
From 2007 to 2008, the Fort underwent refurbishment, put into motion by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. it now features a Visitor information Centre which houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the travels of explorer Mubarak bin London (Wilfred Thesiger) who crossed the empty Quarter twice in the 1940s, as well as a shop, a café and a temporary exhibition space.
One thing is for sure, you will never run out of that special magic that can be found in Abu Dhabi. embrace the enchantment of exploring the heart of Abu Dhabi at the Corniche delve into the sights and sounds of times past at the Heritage Village museum that is run by the Emirates Heritage Club.
This traditional oasis village, near Marina Mall, Breakwater in Abu Dhabi, provides a glimpse into old Arabia with workshops where the masters of their craft demonstrate skills such as pottery and metal work, while women are seen weaving and spinning. The best kept secret of the museum is the little spice shop from which you can get a whole range of dried herbs and even handmade soap.
Abu Dhabi’s 2012 Highlights
- US DJ Little Louie Vega shakes up the Corniche Destination Village: Miami based artist Little Louie Vega and of top DJs and producers in the US performed for an enthusiastic audience, wowing the crowd with his own blend of Latin dance floor beats with disco classics and more. The free to the public concert took place on the 5th of January 2012.
- ECO FUTURE: For those who fancy a sneak peak into the year 2050, the year-long educational exhibition is set to take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from the 27th of September 2012. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of climate change, depleting global resources, over-consumption and sustainability options.
- Madonna LIVE in Abu Dhabi: Pop icon Madonna performed exclusively in the Middle East at the Yas Arena on the 3rd and 4th of June 2012 which marked a new milestone for Abu Dhabi – building upon its reputation as an international sports and entertainment destination.
- Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) 2012: The theme has been set for this year’s ADIPEC and it is ‘Meeting the Increasing Oil and Gas Demand through Innovation’. The 15th edition of this conference is the largest of its kind of the Middle East oil and gas industry and is supported by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and the UAE’s Ministry of Energy. Happening from the 11th to the 14th of November 2012, ADIPEC is the place where industry professionals gather to experience, discover and debate core industry issues.
Getting to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s international Airport is the second largest in the UAE after Dubai. it is also the home base of Abu Dhabi’s carrier Etihad Airways. Connected to 57 cities across the world through 26 international airlines, the airport has world class facilities and is located 35 kilometres away from the heart of the city. Etihad Airways also has the most nonstop flights between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Abu Dhabi and there are 47 flights per week connecting the two cities.
Getting around Abu Dhabi is made simpler as the city has a number of car-rental agencies ranging from large international companies to smaller local operations. One of the more popular choices is europcar which is said to offer the best deal with efficient service and low prices. People also often rely on landmarks to give directions as the road names are very confusing. Taxis in the city are metered and while the municipal buses are the cheaper option, the routes cater more to locals getting around to schools, hospitals and such.
As we close the curtains on this magic carpet ride of sorts, we can be sure that Abu Dhabi has indeed made its mark on the global front.
