Abu Dhabi
At a glance
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, also President of the UAE, since 14 May 2022 |
| Crown Prince | Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, since 29 March 2023 |
| Regions | Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain in the east, Al Dhafra in the west |
| Islands | More than 200 natural islands |
| Port | Zayed Port |
| Airports | Zayed International (AUH) and Al Ain International (AAN) |
Source: UAE Government Portal: Abu Dhabi; UAE Government Portal: Fact sheet1,4
The economy
Abu Dhabi's GDP grew 7.7% in the third quarter of 2025 to AED 325.7 billion, and 5% over the first nine months of the year. Non-oil activities grew 6.8% over those nine months and made up 54% of GDP in the third quarter.2
Pearling was the main industry until oil was found in 1958. Energy is still central, alongside renewable energy, financial services and tourism. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) is the emirate's international financial centre.1
Free zones
Source: UAE Government Portal: Starting a business in a free zone3
Al Dhafra
Al Dhafra, the western region, has seven main towns: Liwa, Madinat Zayed, Ghayathi, Ruwais, Mirfa, Sila and Delma Island.1
Where the emirates are
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abu Dhabi the capital of the UAE?
Yes. Abu Dhabi is the federal capital and the seat of government. The emirate covers 67,340 sq km and had 4.14 million residents in 2024.
Sources
- UAE Government Portal: Abu Dhabi
- Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi: GDP expands 7.7% in Q3 2025 (February 2026)
- UAE Government Portal: Starting a business in a free zone
- UAE Government Portal: Fact sheet
- UAE Government Portal: Dubai
- UAE Government Portal: Sharjah
- UAE Government Portal: Ajman
- UAE Government Portal: Umm Al Quwain
- UAE Government Portal: Ras Al Khaimah
- UAE Government Portal: Fujairah
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.