Where we work // Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Office
The emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprising of two major cities: Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the UAE and seamlessly blends a rich cultural heritage with modernity. It was also the home of the UAE’s founder, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Historically, Abu Dhabi has been inhabited for thousands of years. However, the discovery of oil in the mid-twentieth city has seen the city grow into the thriving metropolis it is today. The city’s strong future vision is balanced with its respect for its history. As key stop on the Silk Road, trade played a major role in the development of the city’s culture. Influences of these interactions can still be seen today in Abu Dhabi traditions, including in the local cuisine and handicrafts.
With a population of approximately 1.2 million, Abu Dhabi city spreads across multiple islands on the Arabian Sea and is the cultural heart of the UAE, boasting an extensive network of important cultural and religious sites including the recently constructed Louvre Abu Dhabi museum and the Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the country that can hold up to 41,000 people at one time. Additionally, visitors can now see Qasr al Hosn, the key fort in Abu Dhabi, for a deeper understanding of Abu Dhabi culture as well as the Cultural Foundation for visual and performing arts, which is situated on the same site. Abu Dhabi also offers many opportunities for the less culturally-minded including multiple theme parks, shopping malls, luxury hotels and beach clubs.
Barker Langham has had the opportunity to work closely for several years with the government of Abu Dhabi and prominent local cultural foundations across a number of important projects as it positions the city as a regional cultural leader. We are proud to continue to contribute to the vision to celebrate Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage and on-going legacy.
Jennifer Russ
Associate Consultant at Barker Langham Recruitment