Abu Dhabi

Everything in Abu Dhabi is modern, sleek and shiny. The United Arab Emirate's capital is often accused of being a rather soulless place, but that's going a bit too far: it's not exactly buzzing, and it may have more sheen than atmosphere, but it does have its attractions.

Apart from anything else, it's a big city for doing business. Abu Dhabi is by far the richest and most politically important of the UAE's seven emirates. It's hard to believe that this sprawling city was a bleak fishing and pearling village less than 50 years ago.