Abu Dhabi: The Historical and Modern Capital of the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi is the historical and current capital of the UAE.

• Origins: Founded in the 18th century as Umm al-Nar (“Mother of Fire”); renamed Abu Dhabi (“Father of the Gazelle”) in the 19th century.
• Traditional seat: Of the ruling Al Nahyan family.
• Federal capital: Designated upon UAE formation on December 2, 1971.
• Today: A global metropolis, political center, cultural hub (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque), and major oil/gas/finance hub.