Abu Dhabi
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, an island city long associated with the Bani Yas confederation.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Region
- Southern Gulf coast
- Known for
- Capital of the UAE; Bani Yas heritage
Overview
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, built on a coastal island of the southern Gulf. Its name ('father of the gazelle') is explained in local tradition by the gazelles of the island.
History
The town was settled in the twelfth century AH (eighteenth century CE) and is the historic seat of the Bani Yas confederation, whose inland base was the Liwa oasis; pearling and fishing sustained it before the modern era.
Sources
- ياقوت الحموي، معجم البلدان، 626هـ — للسياق التاريخي لسواحل الخليج؛ يُوسَّع من التاريخ المحلي
Last reviewed: 2026-07-14