Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The capital of the UAE and the largest of the seven emirates has seen great transformation in the last few years. Despite its humble and quiet stature, the emirate has now launched itself into the international tourism market with its wealth of quality infrastructure and breathtaking offerings.

The bustling city lies on a T-shaped island in the Persian Gulf, with an estimated population of one million people – 80% of which are from the expatriate community. The city prides itself in being the largest and richest of the seven emirates, while still holding on to its rich Arabian culture and history.

Steps in history
Watch the a lap on the Yas Marina Circuit with Bruno Senna on Video and go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikvjwBEYk50

Excavations reveal that Abu Dhabi was settled as far back as the third millennium BC, with its early history paying homage to the nomadic herding and fishing pattern that is typical of the whole UAE region. The emirates’ origins can be traced back to the late 18th century with the important tribal confederation of the Bani Yas, which was also in control of Dubai. It wasn’t until the 19th century that both emirates were separated and became independent from each other.

Camel herding, date and vegetable production in the inland oases of Al Ain and Liwa, as well as the fishing and pearl diving industries were the major driving forces of the emirates’ economy well into the mid-20th century. The city was mostly inhabited during the summer months, with most dwellings being constructed of palm fronds, known as barasti. Families from a wealthier background had the luxury of residing in mud huts.

Oil came into the picture in 1939, when HH Sheikh Shakbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan granted petroleum concessions – but it wasn’t until 1958 that any oil was found. To begin with, oil did not have a great impact on the emirate’s economy, and grand development was put on hold until HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan encouraged the use of oil money for development after his accession to the throne in 1966. After the British withdrew in 1968, HH Sheikh Zayed became the main driving force behind the formation of the UAE, and following the UAE’s independence in 1971, oil wealth flowed through the area. It wasn’t long before palm fronds and mud-brick huts were replaced by towering buildings, banks, boutiques and shopping malls.

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