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a sheikdom in the N United Arab Emirates, on the S coast of the Persian Gulf.
the capital of this sheikdom.
the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
an independent federation in E Arabia, formed in 1971, now comprising seven emirates on the S coast (formerly, Pirate Coast or Trucial Coast) of the Persian Gulf, formerly under British protection: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah (joined 1972), and Fujairah. About 32,300 sq. mi. (83,657 sq. km).
Capital: Abu Dhabi.
Abbreviation: U.A.E.
Contemporary Examples

The contrast with the opulent Abu Dhabi International Book Fair could not be more marked.
Arab Spring Tensions at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair Maya Jaggi April 14, 2012

Like Masdar, the renewable energy institute and zero carbon city currently being built in Abu Dhabi.
Newsom’s California Dream Matthew Dakotah October 6, 2009

As a trade-off for those funds, Galactic is committed to creating a Spaceport in Abu Dhabi—a place that loves excess.
Branson’s Galactic Obstacles: Tom Bower Puts a Damper on Virgin’s Space Flight Dreams Clive Irving January 29, 2014

“This is serious business,” Hagel added, speaking at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.
If Syria Used Chemical Weapons, Obama May Be Painted Into a Corner Mike Giglio April 24, 2013

His writing has also appeared in The Wall Street Journal and The National in Abu Dhabi.
When Politicians Run Away David A. Graham February 18, 2011

AQAP claims a similar parcel bomb was responsible for blowing up a UPS delivery aircraft in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 3, 2010.
Ibrahim al Asiri: al Qaeda’s ‘Genius’€™ Bomb Maker Bruce Riedel May 7, 2012

But the vast majority of outfits look like they walked right off a runway, passed through a drag club, and landed in “Abu Dhabi.”
Carrie’s Battle of the Brands Rebecca Dana May 19, 2010

Much of its business is now global, with the Abu Dhabi investment authority infusing it with billions.
Carlyle Comes Out of the Shadows Zachary Karabell September 5, 2011

More than a third of that money has come from Abar, an investment fund based in Abu Dhabi.
Virgin Galactic’s Flight Path to Disaster: A Clash of High Risk and Hyperbole Clive Irving October 31, 2014

Today Riyadh and Abu Dhabi see the brotherhood as a dangerously subversive and popular enemy.
Saudi Arabia Cheers the Coup in Egypt Bruce Riedel July 6, 2013

noun
a sheikhdom (emirate) of SE Arabia, on the S coast of the Persian Gulf: the chief sheikhdom and capital of the United Arab Emirates, consisting principally of the port of Abu Dhabi and a desert hinterland; contains major oilfields. Pop: 476 000 (2005 est). Area: 67 350 sq km (25 998 sq miles)
plural noun
a group of seven emirates in SW Asia, on the Persian Gulf: consists of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain, Ras el Khaimah, and Fujairah; a former British protectorate; became fully independent in 1971; consists mostly of flat desert, with mountains in the east; rich petroleum resources. Official language: Arabic. Official religion: Muslim. Currency: dirham. Capital: Abu Dhabi. Pop: 5 473 972 (2013 est). Area: 83 600 sq km (32 300 sq miles) Former name (until 1971) Trucial States, UAE
United Arab Emirates [(em-uhr-uhts, uh-meer-uhts)]

A federation of seven kingdoms on the Persian Gulf coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered to the east by Oman, the south and west by Saudi Arabia, and the northwest by Qatar.

Note: Once the domain of pirates, the area was subdued by the British in 1820. It was a British protectorate from 1892 until the late 1960s.

Note: Oil reserves have been exploited since the early 1960s.