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 Abu Dhabi(Abu Zaby) is the largest of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates, covering an area of 26,000 square miles (67,340 square kilometers). With a population of 1,463,491, it is also the second-most populous emirate, after Dubai. Abu Dhabi is also the name of the largest city in the emirate, which also serves as the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The vast majority of the population lives in small cities along the coast. The only major inland city is Al Ayn, which is located on the border between Abu Dhabi and Oman, and has a population of about 348,000. Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest of the United Arab Emirates, with an average per capita income of $49,700. Oil production and export are the principal industries of the emirate, with financial services and tourism also being important contributors. The emirate is served by two international airports, at Abu Dhabi and Al Ayn. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is ruled by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who also serves as President of the United Arab Emirates. History Until the early 20th century, Abu Dhabi was a region of nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes that relied on camel herding, date and vegetable cultivation, fishing and pearl diving for their subsistence. The economy of the region took a dramatic upturn after 1939, when Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahayan granted petroleum concessions that eventually led to oil being discovered in 1958. Production and export of oil began in 1962, but revenues were initially marginal. Unsure of how long the oil royalties would last, Sheikh Shakhbut put most of the revenue into savings rather than development. The ruling family had different ideas, however, and, on August 6, 1966, replaced Sheikh Shakhbut with his brother, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. After the British announced its intention to withdraw from the region by 1971, Sheikh Zayed became the main force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates. Since then Abu Dhabi has used its oil revenues to transform itself from a region of nomadic and semi-nomadic herders living in mud-brick huts to one of modern cities with concrete and steel highrises, major banks, etc. Questions or comments about this page?
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