Geography of the Middle East

Middle East geography from north to south.

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Abu Dhabi

Arabic Abu Zaby

City (pop., 2005 est.: 633,136), capital of Ab emirate and national capital of the United Arab Emirates. It occupies most of the small island of Abu Zaby, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Settled in 1761, it began to develop rapidly following the discovery of petroleum in 1958; oil royalties revolutionized Abu Dhabi's political and economic position, and it has grown into a modern city and regional hub.

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