Abu Dhabi, the capital and the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates, lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. The city is also one of the most modern cities in the world. Abu Dhabi features large gardens and parks, green boulevards lining all the streets and roads, sophisticated high-rise buildings, international luxury hotel chains and opulent shopping malls.

Al Ain, also known as the Garden City due to its greenery, is the second largest city in the Abu Dhabi Emirate and the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates. This oasis town is located next to, and virtually merged with, the Omani town of Buraimi. The city is also the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates, and it has the country's highest number of Emirati nationals.  Al Ain is a great tourist destination, thus, the dry desert air makes it a welcome retreat from the coastal humidity of the larger cities. Many Emirati nationals in Abu Dhabi have holiday houses in the city making it a popular weekend destination for families from the capital city. Its attractions include the Al Ain National Museum, the Al Ain Palace Museum, several restored forts and the Hili Archaeological Parksite, dating back to the Bronze Age.