Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven, has been overlooked for years by investors and entrepreneurs who tended to consider Dubai a more attractive destination. Yet the capital did not stand idle. The fact that Abu Dhabi possesses 10 percent of the world’s oil, five percent of its gas reserves and that it produces 90 percent of oil in the UAE, has enabled it to diversify its economy by investing heavily in infrastructure, real estate, tourism, financial services and other key sectors. In 2007, the Urban Planning Council released the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, which has been the foundation for the growth of the real estate sector. Dr. Hanni Shammah, CEO of Bloom Properties, believes that Abu Dhabi is trying to become a global city, in line with New York, London and Hong Kong. “Abu Dhabi is in the midst of a
