The president's late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan paid a state visit to the UK in 1989.

BBC: The Queen, Prince Phillip and Sheikh Khalifa Al-Nahyan

It is the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates and the city has the highest proportion of Emiratis living there than any other city in the country.

BBC: Al Ain: The desert��s oasis

Continue on to the Corniche to stroll with locals as the sun sets, and wander over to watch the last rays catch the imposing Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, probably Abu Dhabi's most important landmark, known as the "Grand Mosque" to locals, and whose lavish buildings materials hark from as far afield as Greece, Italy, Morocco and Germany.

BBC: Stopover in Abu Dhabi