The United Arab Emirates celebrates its 40th anniversary as a union of independent sheikdoms this year, and in that short span of time its capital, Abu Dhabi, has undergone a massive transformation, morphing from a vast desert occupied by nomadic tribes into a thriving cosmopolitan society. And Abu Dhabi is just getting started.

Abu Dhabi’s rate of development has been astonishing, accomplished with the speed of a gazelle — fitting for a land named after the Arabian gazelle known locally as dhabi. The 1958 discovery of oil marked the beginning of the swift transformation. Wise oil investments funded the development of the modern-day infrastructure, which was non-existent 50 years ago. As the largest and most populated of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi’s population continues to increase at a rate of 4.7 percent per year. By 2030 — about 70 years from when the emirate initially took root — Abu Dhabi is likely to have a population hovering near 3 million

In this modern and forward-thinking society, Emiratis make up approximately 20 percent of the population; the additional 80 percent are Asian, African, Australian, European and North American expatriates. And while the culture of Abu Dhabi is centered on Islamic traditions, the emirate is hospitable and welcoming to all cultures and customs, including Western ideals

Oil continues to be a booming industry for Abu Dhabi, but investments in a variety of other sectors are stimulating and strengthening the economy. Tourism is a growing industry under the watchful eye of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. Among its many initiatives, the ADTA implemented a hotel and apartment classification system and a certification and training program for tourist guides, maintaining an order and regularity to enhance the visitor experience.

With a target of 2.3 million hotel guests per year by 2012, the government has undertaken several hospitality and cultural projects but perhaps none more impressive than the manifestation of Saadiyat Island. The island’s cultivation is still a work in progress, but Manarat Al Saadiyat, the island’s visitor center, offers a glimpse of unbelievable things to come.

Saadiyat Island will be divided into seven distinct districts. The Saadiyat Cultural District will be home to an unprecedented list of museums, including the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi — it’s impressive to consider that in so few years, the emirate has developed into a destination of such caliber that the Louvre would choose to open its only outpost here

New York University is planning to open a satellite Abu Dhabi campus on Saadiyat Island. At least eight 5-star resorts are currently under construction, boasting names like Park Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental and St. Regis. Leading global companies are considering opening branches on Saadiyat Island, award-winning golf courses are being constructed, and world-famous chefs and designers are bringing their names and talents to the island.

Abu Dhabi is barely in its prime as a nation, yet it has far surpassed most other developing nations in scope, stability and worldwide standing.

Diversions

The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s most advancing regions, and its capital, Abu Dhabi, leads the charge, offering an ever-expanding repertoire of things to see and do.

Start with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (tel 971 2 441 6444), Abu Dhabi’s best-known landmark. One of the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for 40,000 worshippers, it features 80 domes, 1,000 columns and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. Open to non-Muslims, the mosque offers complimentary one-hour tours throughout the day. The mosque’s namesake, Sheikh Zayed, is known as the “Father of the Nation.” For a look into the beloved leader’s life, visit the Zayed Centre (tel 971 2 665 9555). Tours should be booked a week in advance.

Within the city center, visitors can witness the world’s furthest-leaning manmade tower. Capital Gate rivals the Leaning Tower of Pisa, tilting 18 degrees to the west, more than three times Italy’s landmark. Falconry remains an active part of the area’s culture; for insight into the sport, tour the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (tel 971 2 575 5155). Khalifa Park is one of the city’s largest parks and a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. Shopping malls abound in the city, as do local stores, offering luxury goods, carpets, gold, dates, perfumes and more. For designer brands, you won’t want to miss the Marina Mall (Corniche Road, tel 971 2 681 8300). The traditional souks hawk specific wares, including the Fish Souk, Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk and the Carpet Souk. Modern-day versions include The Souk at Central Market (tel 971 2 696 4444) with more than 250 retail shops.

With its location on the water, Abu Dhabi offers plenty of outdoor activities. The Abu Dhabi Corniche, spanning five coastline miles, includes play areas, pathways, cafés and beaches. Al Bateen Beach is also popular for beachgoers. For a view of the waterfront from the water, Abu Dhabi’s Yellow Boat Tours (tel 971 2 800 403) offers individual and corporate outings. Sailing, dinner cruises, diving and fishing are all readily available

Nearly 200 islands surround Abu Dhabi, making island-hopping a popular pastime. Yas Island is home to the Yas Marina Circuit (tel 971 2 659 9999), the racetrack that hosts the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Also on the island: Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course, seven luxury hotels and Ferrari World (tel 971 2 496 8001), home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa.

Away from the water, visitors can indulge in drier outdoor activities, including cricket, golf and tennis. For a distinct experience, venture beyond the city limits into the desert and the Al Gharbiar region for camel trekking, dune bashing and desert walks.

Checking In with Ali Alsaloom

Cultural Consultant and Founder of Ask Ali

How Did You Become Ask Ali , And What Was The Inspiration Behind The Brand?
Ask Ali was born in the United States. The real me, Ali Alsaloom, was born and raised in the U.A.E., in the traditional rural area of Baniyas on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. I went off to study hospitality and tourism at the University of Central Florida. I was the only Arab among my peers. When you are involved in the tourism industry, you talk about the world and how things are progressing. Whenever a topic related to the Arab world, everybody would turn their heads, point at me and say, “Ask Ali.” This was the birth of a brand. After the terrible attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, I stayed in the United States, choosing not to return immediately home as most students did. I continued my studies and did all I could to help people understand who Muslims and Arabs really are and that terrorists have nothing in common with our values and traditions. Their actions also hurt us, as they give a bad image to all Arabs and Muslims and create much misconception.

Most Of The Questions You Receive Are From American Travelers. What Do They Typically Ask About The U.A.E.?
A lot of the questions are related to either general knowledge or to the business environment. The next area is more complex, dealing with cultural aspects, like public behaviors or women’s role in society and our traditional way of life. And last, but not least, people want suggestions about places to go and things to do in the United Arab Emirates.

In What Ways Can The U.A.E. Better Promote Tourism To The Region And Abu Dhabi?
Simple — get rid of the misconceptions and let people know that we are a conservative yet liberal country, where people from all over the world live and work peacefully together, no matter their race, skin color or religion. Our society is based on humanity and mutual respect. We have mosques and churches but also Hindu temples. We have Arabic coffee shops as well as nightclubs and traditional markets and some of the biggest, most stylish malls in the world. Live and let others live — we really practice this philosophy. And we have the lowest crime rate in the world. Once people can really see and understand these concepts, we will be flooded with visitors.

What Is The Future Plan For The Ask Ali Brand?
I was recently nominated by the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi to become the environmental ambassador. This is not only an honor but also a huge responsibility and a big challenge. The environment is part of our heritage, and it is our responsibility to protect and preserve it for the next generations. We are working on a book project, focusing on nature and its protection. We are shooting a series of videos focused on preservation projects, and I will put my support behind Bu Tina Island’s campaign to become one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. I will continue to promote my books; the second extended edition of Ask Ali: A Guide to Abu Dhabi has just been released. And, of course, I will continue to do what I like best — answering questions about the region through my online portal, social media platforms, in person after speeches and wherever and whenever people need to know something about us.