Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is modern, sleek and shiny on the surface and while the UAE's capital is often accused of being a rather soulless place, the multicultural backstreets beg to differ. While it lacks the buzz of Dubai, its laidback vibe is more distinctly Arabian than its neighbour. Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven desert sheikhdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It comprises the island city Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, together with the oases of Al Ain and Liwa and a cluster of smaller coastal and desert towns as well as a wide expanse of unspoiled desert and coastline.