By Mukesh Kumar | Updated On: February 28, 2026, 08:23 ET
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the country's central western coast. Situated at approximately 24.4539° N latitude and 54.3773° E longitude, the city covers about 972 sq km (375 sq mi) and has an estimated population of around 1.8 million people.
Abu Dhabi Location on the UAE Map
About Map: The map shows the location of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Where is Abu Dhabi Located?
Abu Dhabi is the 67th most expensive city in the world and the second-most in the UAE. Interestingly, Abu Dhabi is situated on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast.
By virtue of being a capital city, Abu Dhabi homes important political and federal government buildings and offices; besides, it is the seat for the United Arab Emirates Government and the home for the Abu Dhabi Emiri Family and the President of the UAE from this family. Likewise, at present, city is an important political, cultural, economic, and commercial center of the country.
Abu Dhabi is one of the largest oil producer regions of the world. It has also the points of attractions that attract thousands of tourists every year. And, it is one of the richest cities of the world.
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Abu Dhabi |
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| National Capital | Abu Dhabi |
| Region | Eastern Arabian Peninsula |
| Latitude | 24.4539° N |
| Longitude | 54.3773° E |
| Elevation | 89 ft (27 m) |
| Land Area | 375 sq mi |
| Water Area | Includes coastal islands, lagoons and Persian Gulf waters |
| Total Area | 375 sq mi |
| Population (Latest Estimate) | Approximately 1.8 million |
| Population Density | Approximately 4,800 per sq mi |
| Postal Codes | No postal code system in use |
| Area Code | +971 2 |
| Time Zone Standard | Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4) |
| Time Zone Daylight | No daylight saving time observed |
| Currency | UAE Dirham (AED) |
| Administrative Code | Abu Dhabi Municipality |
| National Representation | Federal National Council |
Nearby Cities to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Mussafah, UAE - 12 mi Southwest
- Khalifa City, UAE - 18 mi East
- Al Shahama, UAE - 25 mi Northeast
- Dubai, UAE - 87 mi Northeast
- Al Ain, UAE - 99 mi East
- Sharjah, UAE - 102 mi Northeast
- Ajman, UAE - 109 mi Northeast
- Umm Al Quwain, UAE - 122 mi Northeast
- Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - 155 mi Northeast
- Fujairah, UAE - 173 mi East
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75 | 57 | 0.5 |
| April | 91 | 70 | 0.3 |
| July | 107 | 84 | 0.0 |
| October | 97 | 75 | 0.0 |
| Annual | 91 | 72 | 1.7 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification (Köppen) | BWh - Hot Desert |
| Annual Rainfall | Approximately 1.7 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | More than 350 sunny days |
| Hurricane/Tornado Risk | Very Low |
| Snowfall | No snowfall |
Driving Distances from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| City | Emirate | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussafah | Abu Dhabi | 12 | 20 min |
| Khalifa City | Abu Dhabi | 18 | 25 min |
| Al Shahama | Abu Dhabi | 25 | 30 min |
| Dubai | Dubai | 87 | 1 hr 20 min |
| Sharjah | Sharjah | 102 | 1 hr 40 min |
| Ajman | Ajman | 109 | 1 hr 45 min |
| Umm Al Quwain | Umm Al Quwain | 122 | 2 hr |
| Al Ain | Abu Dhabi | 99 | 1 hr 35 min |
| Ras Al Khaimah | Ras Al Khaimah | 155 | 2 hr 20 min |
| Fujairah | Fujairah | 173 | 2 hr 40 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| Airport Name | Zayed International Airport |
| IATA Code | AUH |
| Port | Zayed Port |
| Major Highways | E11, E10, E20, Sheikh Khalifa Highway |
| Train Service | Etihad Rail (developing national network) |
| Local Transit Service | Public Buses, Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services |
- E11 Highway - Main coastal route connecting Abu Dhabi with Dubai and northern emirates.
- E10 Highway - Important urban corridor linking central districts and islands.
- E20 Highway - Connects Abu Dhabi with Al Ain.
- Sheikh Khalifa Highway - Major route serving suburban developments and industrial areas.
- Zayed International Airport - Primary international gateway to the UAE capital.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Religious Landmark |
| Louvre Abu Dhabi | Museum |
| Qasr Al Watan | Palace |
| Emirates Palace | Architectural Landmark |
| Yas Island | Entertainment District |
| Ferrari World Abu Dhabi | Theme Park |
| Corniche Beach | Waterfront Attraction |
| Heritage Village | Cultural Site |
| Saadiyat Island | Cultural District |
| Mangrove National Park | Nature Reserve |
Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | Religious Landmark |
| Louvre Abu Dhabi | Museum |
| Qasr Al Watan | Palace |
| Emirates Palace | Architectural Landmark |
| Yas Island | Entertainment District |
| Ferrari World Abu Dhabi | Theme Park |
| Corniche Beach | Waterfront Attraction |
| Heritage Village | Cultural Site |
| Saadiyat Island | Cultural District |
| Mangrove National Park | Nature Reserve |
Colleges and Universities in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates University | Public | University | Research and higher education |
| Khalifa University | Public | University | Science and technology |
| Zayed University | Public | University | Business and arts |
| New York University Abu Dhabi | Private | University | Global liberal arts education |
| Higher Colleges of Technology | Public | College | Applied education |
Waterbodies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi Channel, Khor Al Maqta, Eastern Mangroves Lagoon, Al Raha Creek, Yas Marina Waters, Saadiyat Coastline, Al Bateen Channel, Jubail Mangrove Waters, Arabian Gulf Coast
Golf Courses in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Al Ghazal Golf Club, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Arabian Ranches Golf Facility Abu Dhabi Area, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Key Historical Facts
- Abu Dhabi was founded in the late eighteenth century by members of the Bani Yas tribal confederation.
- The city grew as a center for pearl diving, fishing and regional trade along the Arabian Gulf coast.
- Oil discoveries in the mid-twentieth century transformed Abu Dhabi into a major economic hub.
- Abu Dhabi became the capital of the United Arab Emirates when the federation was established in 1971.
- Large-scale infrastructure and cultural investments helped shape the city's modern skyline and global profile.
- Today, Abu Dhabi serves as the political center of the UAE and a leading destination for business, culture and tourism.
References
- Abu Dhabi Government
- Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi
- Visit Abu Dhabi
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Abu Dhabi