Introduction to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi-an Introduction

The City of Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi(AUH) borders Saudi Arabia to the west and south, Dubai to the north, and Oman to the east. It has some 600 kilometers of Arabian Gulf coastline and over 200 natural islands along its northern boundary. Abu Dhabi comprises almost 87% of the UAE’s total land area.

Abu Dhabi is regarded as window to the whole Middle Eastern region due to its strategic location. The Emirate is positioned as a preferred location for international firms looking to expand into the growth markets of MENA and Asia. For administrative purposes, the Emirate is divided into three regions.

Abu Dhabi Coordinates: 24.4700° N, 54.3800° E

Map of Abu Dhabi

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The First region encompasses the City of Abu Dhabi, which is both the capital of emirate and the Federal Capital. Abu Dhabi’s second region, the Eastern Region, has Al Ain city as its capital; it is relatively fertile and rich in greenery, with plenty of farms, public parks and important archaeological sites.

The Western Region, known as Al Gharbia, the emirate’s third administrative sector, comprises 52 settlements, with Madinat Zayed as its capital. Extensive afforestation covers at least 100,000 hectares, including more than 20 million evergreens. The country’s main onshore oil fields are located here, as is the country’s largest oil refinery.

In addition to the three mainland regions of Abu Dhabi there are a number of important islands within emirate, including Da, Mubarraz, Zirku and Arzanah, where the main offshore oil fields are located. Closer in shoure are Dalma, Sir Bani Yas, Merawah, Abu al- Abydah and Saadiyat, together with many others.

Key facts of Abu Dhabi at a glance

• Abu Dhabi has sub tropical climate.
• The mission of conducting the Abu Dhabi census 2011 was assigned to statistics Center-Abu Dhabi, and its findings have yet to be published, The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry has estimated that the population of Abu Dhabi emirate is about 2.96 million.
• Abu Dhabi accounts for 94% of the UAE’s proven oil reserves, according to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.(ADNOC)
• No foreign exchange control, quotas or trade barriers exist in Abu Dhabi.
• Customs duties are levied on the import of most goods into Abu Dhabi at 5%, thought to be relatively low; tobacco and alcoholic beverages are currently subject to customs duties of 100% & 50% respectively of the CIF value.

Full repatriation of profit and capital allowed in the emirate’s Free Zones.

Source: Morrison Menon