UAE | Tourism

Abu Dhabi named in top 10 cities of the world list

Other cities named in the top 10 include Charleston (South Carolina), Cork (Ireland), Cuenca (Ecuador) and Istanbul

  • By Abdullah Rasheed, Abu Dhabi Editor, Gulf News
  • Published: 11:24 November 3, 2009

  • Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News
  • An aerial view of Abu Dhabi Corniche. The UAE capital's place on a 'ten best cities to visit' list is also a tribute to its well-planned development.
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Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi has been ranked among the top ten best cities to visit by Lonely Planet.

The report titled ‘The Best Ten Cities to Visit in 2010' was based on scientific and field studies that took into consideration a range of factors. The achievement is especially noteworthy given that Istanbul (Turkey) Kyoto (Japan) Lecce (Italy) Vancouver (Canada) and Singapore were among the others that made it to the list.

Although the report attributes the selection of some cities to the global financial crisis, the fact is that this does not apply to Abu Dhabi, which was not as badly impacted as other well-known urban centres the world over.

The change witnessed by the emirate in the past ten years has been measured with careful, studied development to meet requirements. This has ensured the global financial meltdown did not hit it too badly.

The Abu Dhabi government has embarked on an integrated strategic plan to develop the emirate's vital facilities and infrastructure to upgrade living conditions of citizens and residents and to provide them with the best services.

It also implemented several big-budget recreational and tourism projects.

At the domestic level, the strategic plan was to turn Abu Dhabi into an emirate that offered the best services for the lowest prices. Accordingly, implementation of the e-government project was stepped up to cope with the high-tech age. Next were steps to implement infrastructure projects like highways, bridges and tunnels on and around Abu Dhabi Island and other transportation projects, for which over Dh50 billion were allocated in 2006.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi enhanced its presence on the global tourism map in the past few years and managed to turn itself into an international hub for businesses, entertainment and luxury tourism.

There are also many ambitious future plans announced by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority with about Dh100 billion made available for a chain of hotels and recreational facilities in Abu Dhabi and surrounding islands such as Yas, Saadiyat and Al Reem Island.

Several other projects on the man-made islands opposite Abu Dhabi Corniche also hold immense promise.

The emergence of the emirate as one of the 10 most desirable destinations around the world is also a tribute to the vision of its leadership under President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Comments (17)

  1. Added 15:23 November 4, 2009

    I am proud to be the resident of this beautiful and peaceful city, i would appreciate it if something could be done about the high rents for the residential flats and villas.. long live Abu Dhabi...

    Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  2. Added 14:10 November 4, 2009

    As someone born in Abu Dhabi, im very attached to the place and am happy with the strides its taking to become one of the greatest cities in the world. Over the next 5 years with the Masdar, Saadiyat Island and the Art District projects being completed it would truly become one of the biggest stories of human achievement.

    Jasem, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  3. Added 13:51 November 4, 2009

    I am in Abu Dhabi since 4 years. I like to stay in Abu Dhabi in future also. Compare to other emirates Abu Dhabi is best place.

    Jahabar Sathik Hakeem, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  4. Added 12:55 November 4, 2009

    Although I got heavey panalties for speeding for the year 2008-09, I love Abu Dhabi as one of my most favourite cities. The peaceful environment, green broad trafficless roads for peaceful driving, fantastic vision of the rulers, grand development projects, and much more safe place to live...a city that cares for the citizens and residents...its really true the Abu Dhabi is one of the Top 10 cities of the world. It just amaized me when I ever travel on newly opened Shaikh Khalifa Highway through Sadiyat Island that the leadership has a great vision for this city.. And the coming days will be so flourishing and amaizing that the people will love to visit Abu Dhabi.

    Mohammad Yousuf, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  5. Added 11:41 November 4, 2009

    i love Abu Dhabi because its safe place to live and work

    Aidha, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  6. Added 11:11 November 4, 2009

    Being an Expat here in Abu Dhabi and been here for almost a decade, at 28, Im proud to see this city bloom and progress economically. Well done Abu Dhabi! Im proud to call you my "HOME".

    Jhel, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  7. Added 10:21 November 4, 2009

    Abu Dhabi is a city that has potential - but needs to deliver somemore entertaining developments and make access to the beaches and islands much easier.

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  8. Added 10:15 November 4, 2009

    I am the resident of Abu Dhabi for the last 10 years and its my second home. I was thrilled to hear Abu Dhabi has named top 10 cities in the world. It is realy a matter of pride to the rulers of abu dhabi. Very calm, quiet and well planned city.... "Congratulations"

    Sacheth, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

  9. Added 10:00 November 4, 2009

    good news

    Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  10. Added 09:21 November 4, 2009

    Wow! Nice to hear that Abu Dhabi named in top 10 cities. its really a very well planned city, I hav visited Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Grand Mosque, its built very nicely and a feeling of reverence and respect. So i agree on it...thnx

    Jameer, Mangalore, India

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