History of Abu Dhabi in Timeline
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is also the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is part of the Abu Dhabi Central Capital District. It's the second most populated city in the UAE, following Dubai.
January 1936: Petroleum Development Trucial Coast Ltd (PDTC) enters into a concession agreement
In January 1936, Petroleum Development Trucial Coast Ltd (PDTC), an associate company of the Iraq Petroleum Company, entered into a concession agreement with the ruler, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to explore for oil.
January 1939: Seventy-five-year concession signed
A seventy-five-year concession was signed in January 1939 for oil exploration, following the concession agreement from January 1936.
1947: British withdraw from India
Following their withdrawal from India in 1947, the British maintained their influence in Abu Dhabi as interest in the oil potential of the Persian Gulf grew.
1953: D'Arcy Exploration Company obtains an offshore concession
In 1953, D'Arcy Exploration Company, the exploration arm of BP, obtained an offshore concession which was then transferred to a company created to operate the concession: Abu Dhabi Marine Areas (ADMA).
1954: Death of Mubarak Al Oqaili
Mubarak Al Oqaili, an Emirati poet known for his contributions to Classical Arabic poetry, passed away in 1954.
1958: Oil struck in the Umm Shaif field
In 1958, using a marine drilling platform, the ADMA Enterprise, oil was struck in the Umm Shaif field at a depth of about 2,669 metres (8,755 ft).
1959: Death of Salem bin Ali al Owais
Salem bin Ali al Owais, another influential Emirati poet who specialized in Classical Arabic poetry, died in 1959.
1959: PDTC's onshore discovery well at Murban No.3
This was followed in 1959 by PDTC's onshore discovery well at Murban No.3.
1962: ADMA discovers the Bu Hasa oil field
ADMA discovered the Bu Hasa oil field in 1962.
1963: ADMA discovers the Lower Zakum oil field
ADMA discovered the Lower Zakum oil field in 1963.
1967: City planned for a population of 40,000
The city was planned under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed by Japanese architect Katsuhiko Takahashi in 1967 initially for a population of 40,000.
1968: Construction of Al Maqta Bridge
The Al Maqta Bridge, the first connection to the then-small fishing village on the main Abu Dhabi island, was built in 1968. This bridge is now part of the E22 highway.
1969: Introduction of the First Town Bus
Around 1969, the first town bus was introduced in Abu Dhabi, marking the beginning of an informal public transport service.
1976: Death of Abdulla bin Sulayem
Abdulla bin Sulayem, an Emirati poet recognized for his work in Classical Arabic poetry, passed away in 1976.
1977: Opening of Mussafah Bridge
The Mussafah Bridge, now integrated into the E20 highway and Khaleej Al Arabi Street, was inaugurated in 1977, providing a second link to the main island.
1982: Opening of Zayed International Airport (AUH)
Zayed International Airport (AUH) began operations in 1982, replacing Al Bateen Executive Airport as Abu Dhabi's main international airport.
1995: Introduction of the Internet in Abu Dhabi
The internet was first introduced in Abu Dhabi in 1995.
November 1996: Construction of the mosque began
Construction began on 5 November 1996.
2004: Death of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the United Arab Emirates, passed away in 2004.
2005: Birth and Death Rates in Abu Dhabi
In 2005, Abu Dhabi recorded a crude birth rate of 13.6% and a crude death rate of about 2%.
2005: Abu Dhabi Water Demand Estimated at 511 MiGD
The estimated water demand for Abu Dhabi between 2005 and 2006 was 511 MiGD.
2006: Establishment of Du Telecommunications
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), widely known as Du, was established in 2006, challenging Etisalat's monopoly in the telecommunications sector.
2006: Abu Dhabi Water Supply Reaches 560.2 MiGD
The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) supplied 560.2 million imperial gallons per day (MiGD) of water in 2006.
2006: UAE's Per Capita Income Experiences 9% Growth
The UAE saw a 9% growth in per capita income in 2006, reaching a GDP per capita of $49,700, ranking third in the world based on purchasing power parity.
September 2007: Establishment of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and Launch of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030
In September 2007, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) was established to oversee the emirate's urban development. The UPC also released the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan, a visionary project outlining the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments.
December 2007: Internal prayer halls opened
The internal prayer halls were initially opened in December 2007.
2007: Release of "The Kingdom"
The movie "The Kingdom," featuring scenes shot in Abu Dhabi, was released in 2007.
2007: Abu Dhabi's Total Electricity Supply Reaches 8,367 MW
The total electricity supply in Abu Dhabi reached 8,367 MW in 2007.
June 2008: Launch of Public Bus Service in Abu Dhabi
On June 30, 2008, the Department of Transport initiated public bus services in Abu Dhabi with four routes, offering free rides until the end of 2008. These routes, operating from 6 am to midnight daily, had a frequency of 10-20 minutes and experienced high demand.
July 2008: 62 high-rise buildings under construction
As of July 2008, there were 62 high-rise buildings 23 to 150 m (75.46 to 492.13 ft) under construction, approved for construction, or proposed for construction.
2008: Launch of the Abu Dhabi Jiujitsu Schools Program
Under the patronage of then-crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Jiujitsu Schools Program commenced in 2008, initially involving 14 schools and later expanding to 42 government schools.
2009: Abu Dhabi Airport Experiences 30%+ Growth in Passenger Usage
Abu Dhabi's International Airport saw a significant increase in passenger traffic in 2009, exceeding 30% growth, indicating efforts to attract more visitors and diversify the economy.
2009: Etisalat Announces Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Network
During the third quarter of 2009, Etisalat revealed its plan to implement a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Abu Dhabi, with the goal of making it the first city globally to have such a network.
2009: Abu Dhabi Education Council Launches New School Model Program
In 2009, the Abu Dhabi Education Council initiated the New School Model Program in government schools, recruiting thousands of licensed teachers from native English-speaking nations to support the program.
2009: UAE Diversifies Economy Beyond Oil and Gas
In 2009, the UAE government began diversifying its economic plans, resulting in the non-oil and gas GDP surpassing that of the energy sector. This shift led to significant investments in industry, real estate, tourism, and retail, particularly in Abu Dhabi.
2009: Inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit
The first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held at the Yas Marina Circuit in 2009, marking the beginning of the circuit hosting the Formula One race.
September 2010: New York University Abu Dhabi Opens
A government-sponsored satellite campus of New York University commenced operations in Abu Dhabi in September 2010.
2010: Inauguration of Sheikh Zayed Bridge
2010 marked the opening of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge, now a part of the E10 highway and Sheikh Zayed Road. This bridge became the third connection to the main island.
2010: Sheikh Zayed Bridge opened
A third, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, designed by Zaha Hadid, opened in late 2010.
2010: Abu Dhabi's GDP Per Capita Reaches $49,600
Abu Dhabi's GDP per capita reached $49,600 in 2010, ranking ninth globally.
2010: Abu Dhabi Emerges as a Filming Destination
From 2010 onwards, Abu Dhabi gained prominence as a sought-after filming location for international film companies, including those from Hollywood.
2011: Al-Mafraq bridge completed
Al-Mafraq bridge connects the city to Reem Island and was completed in early 2011.
2011: Closure of the Cultural Foundation for Reconstruction
In 2011, the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi closed for reconstruction. The foundation houses the UAE Public Library and Cultural Center.
2012: Opening of Khalifa Port
Khalifa Port, owned by Abu Dhabi Ports Company and managed by Abu Dhabi Terminals, commenced operations in 2012.
2013: Release of "Arrambam"
The film "Arrambam," which included scenes filmed in Abu Dhabi, hit theaters in 2013.
2014: Demographics of Abu Dhabi
As of 2014, Abu Dhabi had a population of 2,650,000, with 477,000 being UAE nationals. Expatriates constituted approximately 80% of the population, and the median age was around 30.1 years.
2015: Target for School-Jitsu Program Expansion
The Abu Dhabi Jiujitsu Schools Program aimed to have up to 500 schools participating in the initiative by 2015.
2015: Release of "Baby", "Furious 7", "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
Three notable films featuring scenes shot in Abu Dhabi - "Baby," "Furious 7," and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" - were released in 2015.
2015: Passenger Growth at Zayed International Airport
Zayed International Airport (AUH) saw a 17.2 percent increase in passenger traffic in 2015, handling over 23 million travelers. This growth coincided with the construction of a second runway and a new terminal.
2016: Abu Dhabi's emirate had an estimated population of 2.9 million
As of 2021, Abu Dhabi's urban area had an estimated population of 1.5 million, out of 2.9 million in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as of 2016.
2016: Release of "Dishoom"
The film "Dishoom," partially shot in Abu Dhabi, was released in 2016.
March 2017: Sheikh Khalifa decrees Al Ain Region and Al Dhafra Region
The main settlement of the eastern region, officially "Al Ain Region" since a decree by Sheikh Khalifa in March 2017, is Al Ain City, and that of the western region, officially "Al Dhafra Region" as per the same decree, is Madinat Zayed.
2017: International Judo Federation Bans Israeli Symbols
The International Judo Federation faced criticism for prohibiting the display of the Israeli flag and the playing of the Israeli national anthem at the international games held in Abu Dhabi in 2017.
2018: Release of "Race 3"
"Race 3," a film with scenes shot in Abu Dhabi, was released in 2018.
2018: Abu Dhabi Launches Ghadan 21 Initiatives
Abu Dhabi launched Ghadan 21 in 2018, a series of initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy, with a total investment of AED 50 billion.
2018: UAE Presidential Palace Construction Completed
Construction of the UAE Presidential Palace was finished in 2018.
2018: Lifting of Ban on Israeli Symbols at Judo Games
The ban on Israeli symbols at the International Judo Federation games in Abu Dhabi was lifted in 2018, allowing the display of the Israeli flag and the playing of the national anthem.
March 2019: Special Olympics World Games Held in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi hosted the Special Olympics World Games, the first time the event was held in the Middle East, in March 2019.
March 2019: UAE Presidential Palace Opens to Public
The UAE Presidential Palace, also known as Qasr Al-Watan or "Palace of the Nation," was opened to the public in March 2019, having been built on the grounds of Ladies beach.
June 2019: Inauguration of Multi-faith Prayer Room at Zayed International Airport
The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi inaugurated a multi-faith prayer room at Zayed International Airport in June 2019, reflecting the UAE's commitment to tolerance and inclusivity.
July 2019: Abu Dhabi Invests in Global Entertainment Partners
In July 2019, Abu Dhabi allocated $163 million to finance global entertainment partners as part of its economic diversification plan, aiming to reduce its reliance on oil revenue.
July 2019: Grand Mosque listed among the top global attractions by TripAdvisor
In July 2019, the Grand Mosque was listed among the top global attractions by TripAdvisor. As a part of its Travelers Choice Awards, the travel website placed the architectural masterpiece on number three out of the 750 landmarks considered from 68 countries.
July 2019: Noor Abu Dhabi Solar Park Project Completed
The Noor Abu Dhabi solar park project, the largest of its kind globally, was finalized on July 2, 2019. This initiative aligns with the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050, which targets a 70% reduction in carbon emissions from power generation.
September 2019: UAE Announces Construction of First Official Synagogue
In September 2019, the UAE announced it would begin construction on its first official synagogue in 2020. The synagogue will be part of the multi-faith "Abrahamic Family House" complex in Abu Dhabi, which will also house a mosque and a church.
September 2019: Abu Dhabi Grants Licenses to Churches and Hindu Temple
The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi held a ceremony in September 2019 to grant licenses to 17 churches, including Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant denominations, and the first-ever traditional Hindu temple, under the slogan "A Call for Harmony."
October 2019: Announcement of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
Abu Dhabi revealed the establishment of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world's inaugural graduate-level AI research institution, in October 2019.
2019: Abu Dhabi Hosts the AFC Asian Cup
Abu Dhabi hosted the AFC Asian Cup, a major international football tournament, in 2019.
2019: Abu Dhabi Government Media Office (ADGMO) formed
The Abu Dhabi Government Media Office (ADGMO) was formed in 2019 and is responsible for representing the government in the media, organizing press conferences for the emirate and monitoring local and international media.
2019: Release of "Saaho" and "Six Underground"
The movies "Saaho" and "Six Underground," both featuring scenes filmed in Abu Dhabi, were released in 2019.
September 2020: Commencement of Classes at MBZUAI
Classes for master's and PhD programs at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence began in September 2020, a year after the university started accepting applications.
2020: Construction of the First Synagogue in Abu Dhabi
Construction of Abu Dhabi's first synagogue began in 2020, adding to the city's diverse religious landscape, which includes Christian churches, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Buddhist temples.
2020: Construction Begins on Abrahamic Family House
Construction of the "Abrahamic Family House" complex, including the UAE's first official synagogue, began in 2020.
May 2021: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center attends the Arabian Travel Market 2021 exhibition
In May 2021, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center attended the Arabian Travel Market 2021 exhibition. This was part of the center's core strategy to be active in the religious and cultural aspects of society.
2021: Public Ferry Usage in Abu Dhabi
A total of 114,093 passengers utilized public ferry services in Abu Dhabi during 2021.
2021: Abu Dhabi's urban area had an estimated population of 1.5 million
As of 2021, Abu Dhabi's urban area had an estimated population of 1.5 million, out of 2.9 million in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as of 2016.
2021: Implementation of Toll Gates in Abu Dhabi
In 2021, Abu Dhabi established four toll gates on all bridges leading to the main island (Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Maqtaa Bridge, Mussafah Bridge, and Sheikh Khalifa Bridge). These toll gates, operational only during peak hours, had registered over 1.8 million vehicles by the year's end, with each crossing costing 4 AED.
2021: Passenger Trips on Abu Dhabi Public Bus System
The Abu Dhabi public bus system recorded 53.3 million passenger trips in 2021, utilizing a fleet of 583 buses across the city.
2021: Release of "The Misfits" and "Dune"
Two films partially shot in Abu Dhabi, "The Misfits" and "Dune," were released in 2021.
April 2022: UAE Oil Production and Expansion Plans
As of April 2022, oil production in the UAE was approximately 3.0 million barrels per day (BPD). The UAE aims to increase its maximum production capacity from 4 million BPD to 5 million BPD by 2030.
April 2022: Abu Dhabi Allows 100% Capacity for Commercial Activities and Events
In April 2022, Abu Dhabi announced the resumption of 100% capacity for commercial activities, tourist attractions, and events in the emirate.
2022: Launch of Autonomous Public Transport in Yas and Saadiyat Islands
Abu Dhabi introduced self-driving public transport options in Yas and Saadiyat Islands in 2022. These autonomous vehicles, including trams, taxis, and minibuses, connect cultural, tourist, and entertainment destinations on both islands.
2022: Renovation and Expansion of Al Bateen Executive Airport
Al Bateen Executive Airport underwent renovation and expansion in 2022, enabling it to handle twin-aisle jets and accommodate private, business, and VIP traffic, alongside an Abu Dhabi Police search and rescue base.
2022: Completion of Abrahamic Family House
The Abrahamic Family House, a multi-faith complex in Abu Dhabi, was completed in 2022, containing a mosque, church, and synagogue.
2022: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the world's 3rd largest sovereign wealth fund
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is headquartered in the city, and was the world's 3rd largest sovereign wealth fund in 2022.
October 2023: Pilot Launch of ART Service on Mainland Abu Dhabi
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) launched a pilot phase of the ART (Automated Rapid Transit) service in October 2023 as part of the Smart Mobility project. The 27-kilometer route runs from Reem Mall on Al Reem Island to Marina Mall, serving 25 stations.
2023: Abu Dhabi Ranked Safest City in the World
In 2023, Abu Dhabi earned the top spot as the safest city globally for the sixth consecutive year, according to Numbeo's statistical analysis.
2023: Opening of Umm Yifeenah Bridge
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan inaugurated the Umm Yifeenah Bridge in 2023. This 11 km highway connects Al Reem Island to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street and is part of Abu Dhabi's 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan.
2023: Completion of Etihad Rail's Second Phase
The second phase of the Etihad Rail network, dedicated to freight operations across the seven emirates, was finalized in 2023. Passenger services have been confirmed, connecting Abu Dhabi city with other emirates on the network, but the launch date remains undetermined.
2030: Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 Aims for Sustainable Economy
The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, a plan developed by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, outlines a strategy to achieve a sustainable economy by 2030, aiming to reduce dependence on any single revenue source and increase the non-oil portion of income from 40% to about 70%.
2030: UAE Aims to Increase Oil Production Capacity
The UAE has set a goal to expand its maximum oil production capacity to 5 million BPD by 2030.
2030: Abu Dhabi Plan 2030
The development of tall buildings has been encouraged in the Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, which will lead to the construction of many new skyscrapers over the next decade, particularly in the expansion of Abu Dhabi's central business district such as the new developments on Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island.
2030: Surface Transport Master Plan 2030
The government's Surface Transport Master Plan 2030 anticipates a significant expansion of public transport, including 130 km of metro, 340 km of tramways, and bus rapid transit (BRT) routes. Additional smart public transport options are planned for areas like Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, along with rail connections to nearby cities.
2050: UAE Energy Strategy 2050 Aims to Reduce Carbon Emissions
The UAE's Energy Strategy 2050 sets a target to decrease carbon emissions from power generation by 70% by 2050.
