Foundation of emergency managements
Geographical Description of Abu Dhabi
The city of Abu Dhabi is the latest, most sorted after tourist destination in the world. The city that is in the emirate of Abu Dhabi is 16 feet above sea level. It is located in the northeastern part of the Persian Gulf. The city that is the capital of the emirate is neighbors the islands Saadiyat, Al Futaisi, and Sir Bani Yas Island since the emirate of Abu Dhabi is comprised of islands. The capital boasts of both sophistication from the latest architectural designs and the cultural tradition that existed from the early 1090. It is also home to the founder of the emirates the late Sheikh Zayed bin Al Nahyan. Its terrain is mainly desert and arid land characterized by rolling sand dunes of various colors. However, there are oases and even the city has a coastline.
Population of Abu Dhabi
Despite the delay of the Abu Dhabi 2011 census, there are other reliable statistics sources (Statistical yearbook, 2010). The population growth rate has been shocking over the years. In 2007, the population was around 930,000 and it is expected to swell to 3.1 million by the year 2030 (Statistical yearbook, 2010). In 1975, the population of the emirate was an estimated 211,000 but now it is at 1.3 million. The birth rate is at 17% including the non-nationals. The life expectancy is at 75 years showing that the population expectation growth is reliable and believable. The schools currently are 236 but in the year 2013, the will need to be 330 schools for education (Statistical yearbook, 2010).
Demographics of Abu Dhabi
Demographics mean the aspects of the society that classify the population. Such include groups like sex, age, nationality, and religion. Some demographics of the city are defined by sex. The number of male is almost double the number of women in the city. The number of men in the year 2007 was around 590,000 compared to the 400,000 in women (Statistical yearbook, 2010). A very large age group describes the age structure. 40% of the population at Abu Dhabi is 15 years and below. An estimated 58% is the group between 15 and 64 years (Statistical yearbook, 2010). The remaining percent is of the over 64. The population density is at 33 people per square kilometer.
Weather patterns of Abu Dhabi
The city is quite similar to the rest of the emirate. The weather is mostly hot and clear skies are expected each day at the capital. Between the months of April to September, the city experiences maximum temperatures of 40 °C (Kirk, & Napier, 2009). This season is usually comprised of unpredictable sandstorms that most often render the city no visibility. In the months of October to march, the weather is completely cool. Sometimes fog is spotted. The coldest months are January and February. The region experiences little to no rainfall. The only difference is the humidity created by the ocean currents and the heat of the desert. With the expected hot weather, air condition is a standard feature in most buildings. This is because in the summer, the temperatures can rise up to 48 °C.
The Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan Mosque is most famous religious place of worship in the city. This mosque also serves as a landmark since it is arguably the biggest mosque and the world and is home to the largest hand woven carpet. It is said to be able to hold 40,000 worshippers (Kirk, & Napier, 2009). The formula one track is also a world-renowned amenity that Abu Dhabi boosts to hold. For this reason, high-end luxury cars cruise the city roads on a daily basis. In its proximity is the Abu Dhabi international airport that has a capacity of 7 million passengers per year. The education sector at the city is at a very competitive par. there is a range of public and international schools. Two hundred private schools in the city teach a range of 13 syllabuses. Education in Abu Dhabi is very expensive and schools that run on a nonprofit basis often lack enough seats to accommodate the number of student that need to enroll. There are several universities located in the city but most are international like the New York University. The health facilities at Abu Dhabi are world class with around 20 big institutions in the city. The most famous is the sheikh khalifa medical city (Kirk, & Napier, 2009). The city also has an animal shelter that has taken its role on taking the responsibility of stray animals. Finally, with the critical numbers of human trafficking in the UAE, Abu Dhabi city build a human trafficking shelter that is a safe haven for immigrants from other parts of the world (Kirk, & Napier, 2009).
Critical Infrastructure in the city
Abu Dhabi town has very good roads. However, it is among the most dangerous roads in the world due to reckless driving. To curb this, the city has employed traffic cameras all over the city to identify bad drivers while also increasing the penalties. Notably, the city does not have a metro system. However, it is under construction. They want to construct a 131km track that will assist the city ease traffic and parking problems in the city. In sewage disposure, the city is in the process of constructing a 91km of sewage system 80 meters from the city surface. The project is to be complete in the year 2015. The city gets its power from the Abu Dhabi water and electricity company, which produces 80% of the power in the emirate (Kirk, & Napier, 2009).
Economic Factors
Abu Dhabi is engaged in two major economic activities. They are trading in oil and tourism. Abu Dhabi produces around 80% of oil in the UAE and approximately 10% in the whole world (Kirk, & Napier, 2009). The tourism industry is just a small fraction of the city’s economy but it is definitely growing. Abu Dhabi city is full of leisure amenities like hotels, spas and golf clubs that attract foreigners from all over the world be it for business or pleasure. The high-end shopping malls and amazing architecture also play a robust role not forgetting the pristine beaches and the all year round amazing weather. The city has the highest per capita income in the whole world. Corporates and individuals also pay little or no tax this boosting the economic condition of the region.
Landmarks and unique attraction sites
Empty Quarter desert of Abu Dhabi is the most famous landmark since the area is mostly desert. The desert is just one and a half hours out of the city and has sand dunes and the oasis liwa. This spectacular sight is quite breathtaking in both the night and day. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is another landmark of its own right being the largest in the region and maybe in the whole world (Statistical yearbook, 2010). Notably, camels were the original animals used by the Arabs for transportation. Despite the sophistication of the city, camel beauty pageants and camel races are still held in the city making this an activity that stands out. Finally, the oasis in the region is very interesting at its banks, there grows palm trees and dates adding to the amazing features of the city.
Historical Significance
Though the city has evolved in the past years, the cultures and the historical features should not be taken away in case of an emergency consideration. Some of these features are the fish and Carmel market. In the earlier days when Abu Dhabi was just but a simple region, the custom of selling fish and camels were the main economic activities. It almost symbolized a ritual and this is what made the people of Abu Dhabi stick to their roots. In such a case, such activities should not be abolished but embraced since they signify where the roots and origin of this community even in all its glory.
Any Other Pertinent Information
My hometown is a place that I cherish with my body and soul. Even with all the changes in infrastructure and population, it will remain to be my simple home. With this profile, my greatest hope is to not only make the city a better place, but also retain the culture of my people. Even with the numerous developments that have taken place, Abu Dhabi will continue developing but as it does so, efforts towards retaining the culture should be considered, since this is what makes my hometown unique, a magnificent tourist destination with state of the art facilities and a serene cultural environment.
References
Statistical yearbook. (2010). The statistical yearbook of Abu Dhabi.
Kirk, D., & Napier, D., (2009). Issues of gender, equality, education, and national development in the United Arab Emirates: Gender, Equality and Education from International and Comparative Perspectives (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Volume 10: 301-331
