03Cities and regions

The capital

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is an island city of more than two million people and the federal capital. Its best-known landmark is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, completed in 2007 after about thirteen years of work. The white complex has 82 domes in seven sizes and four minarets 104 metres tall; its floors and walls are marble inlaid with coloured stone, and the main hall holds a hand-knotted carpet of 5,627 square metres. On Saadiyat Island stands the Louvre Abu Dhabi, opened on 8 November 2017 under a dome of 7,850 metal stars that lets light fall like sun through palm fronds in an oasis. In the centre, Qasr Al Hosn, built in 1761 and the oldest building in the city, keeps its white walls and round tower among glass towers. The Corniche runs for about ten kilometres along the sea, with gardens and paths for walking and cycling. Give the city at least two days, and visit the mosque early in the morning or before sunset.

About 2.19 million

City population

0 domes

Domes of the Grand Mosque

2017

Louvre Abu Dhabi opened