About our Abu Dhabi news
Latest news on Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital, covering economy, security, tourism, property, culture, F1, Yas Island, Saadiyat, Etihad Airways, weather and more.
Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates, with a population exceeding four million. Governed by the Al Nahyan family, it is led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who serves as both UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed as his designated successor. Home to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the emirate holds the vast majority of the UAE's proven oil reserves, and its economy has undergone significant diversification in recent years, with non-oil sectors now accounting for more than half of GDP.
The emirate's security situation has been thrust into the international spotlight following Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting the UAE from February 2026, linked to the wider US–Iran conflict. Abu Dhabi's air defence systems intercepted the majority of incoming ballistic missiles and drones, though falling debris caused civilian casualties, property damage, and disruption to flights at Zayed International Airport. Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier based in Abu Dhabi, resumed limited operations after temporary suspensions, while residents and businesses have adjusted to heightened security measures across the emirate.
Abu Dhabi has established itself as a major cultural destination, anchored by the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017, sits alongside the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, with the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi expected to open as the largest museum in the Guggenheim network. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque remains one of the most visited landmarks in the region, while Yas Island draws millions of visitors annually with attractions including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix each December.
The emirate's economy has posted strong growth, driven by construction, financial services, manufacturing, and real estate alongside its traditional energy sector. Abu Dhabi is home to some of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Mubadala, while the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) financial centre continues to attract international firms. Investments in renewable energy through Masdar and the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant underscore the emirate's commitment to energy transition and sustainability.
Founded as a small pearling village, Abu Dhabi was transformed after oil was discovered in 1958 and first exported in 1962. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation's founding father, oversaw the emirate's rapid modernisation and the formation of the UAE federation in 1971. That legacy of ambitious development continues today across infrastructure, education, and technology, with Abu Dhabi pursuing a digital strategy aimed at becoming an AI-native government. The emirate's expatriate-majority population, drawn from across South Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, underpins a diverse workforce and a cosmopolitan character visible along the Corniche, in the souks of Al Ain, and across its growing urban landscape.
Our ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ feed on Abu Dhabi brings together the latest headlines from trusted sources, covering breaking news, business, transport, weather, property, sport, and cultural developments across the emirate. Whether you are tracking security developments, economic policy, real estate trends, or events on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, this feed is your comprehensive resource for staying informed about the UAE capital.