Everything in Abu Dhabi is modern, sleek and shiny. The United Arab Emirate's capital is often accused of being a rather soulless place, but that's going a bit too far: it's not exactly buzzing but it does have its attractions.

Apart from anything else, it's a big city for doing business. Abu Dhabi is by far the richest and most politically important of the UAE's seven emirates. It's hard to believe that this sprawling city was a bleak fishing and pearling village less than 50 years ago. Today, it's considered safe and secure for foreigners, although demonstrations and political gatherings are best avoided.

Population: 500,000 (estimated)
Country: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Main language: Arabic
Time: GMT/UTC plus 4 hours
Telephone Area Code: +971 2

Orientation
The city of Abu Dhabi sits at the head of a T-shaped island jutting into the Gulf off the central western coast of the UAE. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi represents over 85% of the total area of the UAE.

The airport is on the mainland, about 30km (18.6mi) north-east of the centre. The main business district is barely 1 sq km (0.4 sq mi), bounded by Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed and Istiglal Sts to the north, Zayed the Second St to the south, Khalid bin al-Walid St to the west and As Salam St to the east.

We kept our promise to these folks and they rewarded us with not only their business, but their letters of thanks!!!