History of Abu Dhabi in Timeline

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It's the second-most populous city in the UAE, after Dubai. Situated on a T-shaped island extending into the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi serves as the seat of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District. It is a significant political, economic, and cultural center in the region.

1905: Birth of Abdulla bin Sulayem

In 1905, Abdulla bin Sulayem, an Emirati poet known for his work in Classical Arabic poetry, was born.

1954: Death of Mubarak Al Oqaili

In 1954, Mubarak Al Oqaili, an Emirati poet known for his work in Classical Arabic poetry, passed away.

1959: Death of Salem bin Ali al Owais

In 1959, Salem bin Ali al Owais, an important Emirati poet known for his work in Classical Arabic poetry, died.

1968: Construction of Al Maqta Bridge

In 1968, the Al Maqta Bridge was built as the first connection to Abu Dhabi island, now part of the E22 highway.

1969: Informal town bus service

In about 1969, the first town bus entered service in Abu Dhabi, but it was part of a very informal service.

1976: Death of Abdulla bin Sulayem

In 1976, Abdulla bin Sulayem, an Emirati poet known for his contributions to Classical Arabic poetry, passed away.

1977: Opening of Mussafah Bridge

In 1977, the Mussafah Bridge opened, now part of the E20 highway that transforms into Khaleej Al Arabi Street.

1982: Opening of AUH

In 1982, AUH opened, replacing Al Bateen Executive Airport as the main international airport for Abu Dhabi.

1995: Introduction of the Internet

In 1995, the Internet was introduced into Abu Dhabi, supported by a bandwidth of 6 GB, with 50,000 dialup and 150,000 broadband ports.

2005: Crude Birth and Death Rates

As of 2005, Abu Dhabi had a crude birth rate of 13.6% and a crude death rate of about 2%.

2005: Water demand estimation

In 2005, the water demand for 2005-06 in Abu Dhabi was estimated to be 511 MiGD.

2006: Water supply by ADWEA

As of 2006, the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) supplied 560.2 million imperial gallons per day (MiGD) of water.

2006: Establishment of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company

In 2006, the Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), better known as Du, was established, challenging Etisalat's virtual monopoly over telecommunication services in Abu Dhabi.

2006: Per capita income growth

In 2006, the UAE experienced a fast-growing economy, with per capita income growing by 9%, resulting in a GDP per capita of $49,700 and ranking third in the world in terms of purchasing power parity.

September 2007: Publication of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan

In September 2007, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) published the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan.

2007: Electricity Consumption and Supply

As of 2007, Abu Dhabi's per capita electricity consumption was approximately 41,000 kWh, and the total supplied electricity was 8,367 MW.

2007: The Kingdom Film Release

In 2007, the film 'The Kingdom' was released, featuring Abu Dhabi as one of its shooting locations.

Loading Video...

June 2008: Start of public bus service

On June 30, 2008, the Department of Transport began public bus service in Abu Dhabi with four routes, offering zero-fare rides until the end of 2008.

2008: Abu Dhabi Jiujitsu Schools Program Launched

In 2008, the Abu Dhabi Jiujitsu Schools Program began under the patronage of crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, launching in 14 schools for pupils in grades 6 and 7.

2009: Etisalat announces FTTH network implementation

During the third quarter of 2009, Etisalat announced plans to implement a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Abu Dhabi, aiming to make the emirate the world's first city with such a network.

2009: New School Model Program Launched

From 2009, the Abu Dhabi Education Council brought over thousands of licensed teachers from native English-speaking countries to support their New School Model Program in government schools.

2009: Growth in passenger usage at the International Airport

In 2009, Abu Dhabi's International Airport experienced over 30% growth in passenger usage, reflecting the government's goal of diversifying revenue from oil and gas to tourism.

2009: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit

Since 2009, Abu Dhabi has hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of Formula One at the Yas Marina Circuit.

September 2010: New York University Abu Dhabi Opens

In September 2010, New York University opened a government-sponsored satellite campus in Abu Dhabi.

2010: GDP per capita ranks ninth in the world

In 2010, Abu Dhabi's GDP per capita reached $49,600, ranking ninth globally.

2010: Opening of Sheikh Zayed Bridge

In 2010, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge opened, now part of the E10 highway and Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting the island to the Corniche Road.

2010: Abu Dhabi becomes major film shooting location

Since 2010, Abu Dhabi has become a major shooting location for many film companies, including Hollywood.

2011: Cultural Foundation Reconstruction

As of Spring 2011, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi was closed for reconstruction, which houses the UAE Public Library and Cultural Center.

2012: Opening of Khalifa Port

In 2012, Khalifa Port opened, joining Port Zayed and Musaffah Port in Abu Dhabi, all owned by Abu Dhabi Ports Company and managed by Abu Dhabi Terminals.

2013: Arrambam Film Release

In 2013, the film 'Arrambam' was released, featuring Abu Dhabi as one of its shooting locations.

Loading Video...

2014: Population statistics

As of 2014, 477,000 of the 2,650,000 people living in the emirate were UAE nationals, with approximately 80% of the population being expatriates. The median age was about 30.1 years.

2015: Expansion of the School-Jitsu Program

By 2015, the plan is for up to 500 schools to be participating in the school-Jitsu program, which teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu to 9 to 13-year-old students as part of the curriculum.

2015: Rise in passenger numbers at Zayed International Airport

In 2015, passenger numbers at Zayed International Airport rose by 17.2 percent, with more than 23 million travelers passing through its terminals.

2015: Baby, Furious 7 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens Film Release

In 2015, the films 'Baby', 'Furious 7', and 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' were released, all featuring Abu Dhabi as one of their shooting locations.

Loading Video...

2016: Dishoom Film Release

In 2016, the film 'Dishoom' was released, featuring Abu Dhabi as one of its shooting locations.

Loading Video...

2017: Ban on Israeli Symbols at Judo Grand Slam

In 2017, the International Judo Federation refused to allow the Israeli flag and the Israeli national anthem at the International Judo Federation Abu Dhabi grand slam, leading to criticism.

2017: War Machine and Tiger Zinda Hai Film Release

In 2017, the films 'War Machine' and 'Tiger Zinda Hai' were released, featuring Abu Dhabi as one of their shooting locations.

Loading Video...

2018: Launch of Ghadan 21

In 2018, Abu Dhabi launched Ghadan 21, a string of initiatives with a total injection of AED 50 billion, aimed at diversifying the economy across four main areas: business and investment, society, knowledge and innovation, and lifestyle.

2018: Ban on Israeli Symbols Lifted

In 2018, the ban on Israeli symbols was lifted and the Israeli flag and national anthem were allowed to be displayed at the International Judo Federation Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.

2018: Race 3 Film Release

In 2018, the film 'Race 3' was released, featuring Abu Dhabi as one of its shooting locations.

March 2019: Abu Dhabi Hosts Special Olympics World Games

In March 2019, Abu Dhabi hosted the first Special Olympics World Games in the Middle East, featuring more than 7,500 athletes participating in 24 sporting disciplines.

June 2019: Inauguration of multi-faith prayer room at Zayed International Airport

On June 30, 2019, the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi officially inaugurated a multi-faith prayer room at Zayed International Airport.

July 2019: Allocation to finance global entertainment partners

In July 2019, Abu Dhabi allocated $163 million to finance global entertainment partners to diversify the economy away from oil.

July 2019: Completion of Noor Abu Dhabi solar park project

On July 2, 2019, the Noor Abu Dhabi solar park project, the largest solar project in the world, was completed as part of UAE's Energy Strategy 2050 to reduce the carbon emission of power generation by 70%.

October 2019: Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence Announced

In October 2019, Abu Dhabi announced the world's first graduate-level AI research institution, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI).

2019: Host of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup

In 2019, Abu Dhabi hosted the AFC Asian Cup, adding to its list of international football events.

2019: Saaho and Six Underground Film Release

In 2019, the films 'Saaho' and 'Six Underground' were released, featuring Abu Dhabi as one of their shooting locations.

Loading Video...

September 2020: Classes Scheduled to Begin at MBZUAI

In September 2020, classes are scheduled to begin at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), after accepting applications a year prior.

2020: Synagogue Construction Commences

In 2020, construction commenced on the first synagogue in Abu Dhabi, joining Christian churches, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Buddhist temples alongside mosques as signs of religious tolerance.

2021: Public bus system statistics

As of 2021, the Abu Dhabi public bus system had completed 53.3 million passenger trips, utilizing a fleet of 583 buses within the city.

2021: Introduction of toll gates

In 2021, Abu Dhabi introduced four toll gates on all bridges entering the main island, operating during peak hours, with over 1.8 million registered cars in the system by year-end.

2021: The Misfits and Dune Film Release

In 2021, the films 'The Misfits' and 'Dune' were released, featuring Abu Dhabi as one of their shooting locations.

Loading Video...

2021: Public ferry usage

In 2021, the number of passengers who used public ferries reached 114,093.

April 2022: 100% Capacity for Commercial Activities

On 29 April 2022, Abu Dhabi announced a 100% capacity for commercial activities, tourist attractions and events in the emirate.

2022: Launch of autonomous self-driving public transport options

In 2022, Abu Dhabi launched autonomous self-driving public transport options in Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, including autonomous trams, taxis, and minibuses.

2022: Renovation and expansion of Al Bateen Executive Airport

In 2022, Al Bateen Executive Airport underwent renovation and expansion to accommodate twin-aisle jets, resuming operation to private, business, and VIP traffic.

October 2023: Launch of ART Service pilot phase

During October 2023, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) launched the ART Service on mainland Abu Dhabi as a pilot phase as part of the Smart Mobility project, spanning approximately 27 kilometers.

2023: Completion of the second phase of the Etihad Rail network

In 2023, Abu Dhabi City was connected to the second phase of the Etihad Rail network for freight operations across the seven emirates.

2023: Ranked as the safest city in the world

In 2023, Abu Dhabi was ranked as the safest city in the world for the sixth year running by the statistical analysis website Numbeo.

2023: Inauguration of Umm Yifeenah Bridge

In 2023, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Umm Yifeenah Bridge, an 11 km highway connection between Al Reem Island and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street.

July 2024: Launch of "Smart Travel" biometric

In July 2024, Zayed International Airport launched the world's first-of-its-kind "Smart Travel" biometric.

December 5, 2024: Zayed International Airport wins "World's Most Beautiful Airport" award

On December 5, 2024, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi won the title of "World's Most Beautiful Airport" at the Prix Versailles, a prestigious award for architecture and design.

2024: Second Sphere Venue Confirmed

In 2024, the Madison Square Garden Company confirmed that a second Sphere venue, identical to the Sphere in Las Vegas, would be built in Abu Dhabi.

May 2025: Disney Announces Theme Park in Abu Dhabi

On 7 May 2025, The Walt Disney Company announced that it plans to build its seventh worldwide theme park resort in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island.

2025: Opening of first flying taxi vertiport

Abu Dhabi’s first flying taxi vertiport will open at the Zayed Port Cruise Terminal by late 2025. It will serve helicopters and eVTOLs, offering direct access to Saadiyat Island, the Corniche, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

2025: Disney Theme Park to be built

In 2025, it was confirmed that Disney would build a theme park in Abu Dhabi called Disneyland Abu Dhabi, to be located on Yas Island.

2030: Abu Dhabi's 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan

Abu Dhabi's 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan includes changes to infrastructure, such as the construction of the Umm Yifeenah Bridge.

2030: Plan Abu Dhabi

In September 2007, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) published the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan.

2030: Abu Dhabi Economic Vision

The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, planned by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, aims for a sustainable economy not dependent on a single revenue source, increasing the non-oil income portion from about 40% to about 70%.

2030: Government's Surface Transport Master Plan

Within the framework of the government's Surface Transport Master Plan 2030, a massive expansion of public transport is anticipated.

2031: UAE's National Sport Strategy

By 2031, Abu Dhabi aims to increase general participation in sports and expand the types and frequency of sport facilities available in the city, following the UAE's National Sport Strategy 2031.