Abu Dhabi, << AH boo DAH bee >> (pop. 1,267,000), also spelled Abu Zaby, is the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a confederation of seven Arab states. Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is the largest of the seven states. The city is governed by the al-Nahyan family, which belongs to a large group of related Arab families called the Bani Yas. Members of another branch of the Bani Yas rule Dubai (also spelled Dubayy), the largest city in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi was founded in about 1761. It soon became a pearl-fishing port. The city lies on an island in the southeastern Persian Gulf and is linked to the mainland by two bridges. The city has developed rapidly since oil production from land-based and offshore fields began in the early 1960’s. A national development program has helped the city improve its harbor and construct buildings, roads, parks, and an international airport.
See also Al Ayn; Bu Tinah Shoals; United Arab Emirates.
