What is the capital of the United Arab Emirates?

The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. The city is also the capital of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the seat of the federal government.

Abu Dhabi occupies an island and nearby mainland areas on the Persian Gulf. Its name is commonly explained as meaning “Father of the Gazelle,” although the city’s early history is closely tied to freshwater springs, fishing, pearling, and coastal trade.

The city became especially prosperous after petroleum was discovered in Abu Dhabi in 1958 and commercial production began in the 1960s. It now contains the UAE’s federal institutions, diplomatic missions, major cultural venues, and energy companies.

Dubai is the UAE’s largest city by international profile and a major business center, but it is not the national capital. Abu Dhabi holds that constitutional and governmental role.