Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The Federation of the UAE was established on December 2nd 1971 with 6 members; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Um Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman. The 7th emirate, Ras Al Khaimah joined the federation in February 1972.
From its inception in 1971 until 2 November 2004, the country was ruled by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahayan. The current president and ruler of Abu Dhabi is his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan.
The UAE is probably best known for the emirate of Dubai, and its ruler and vice president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoom. Events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Global Village, the Burj Al Arab, etc help to keep Dubai in the eyes and minds of the international community, in addition to the constant construction being carried out all over the emirate.
Abu Dhabi, approximately 130km from Dubai, is a less well-known emirate internationally, but in fact takes up more than three quarters of the UAE. In the past few years development has increased here, with major plans for the future of the emirate such as Reem Island - the new commercial and business district, the cultural area of Sa'adiyat Island, hosting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim and various other cultural venues, Yas Island which will have a Formula 1 race track, and others which I'm sure we haven't heard about yet!
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