Everyone has been talking about Dubai - for good reason. The building blitz in the world's wealthiest city includes a list of world's biggests, most expensives and firsts. The Burj Dubai is the world's tallest building. In its shadow sits one of the world's largest malls, which houses the world's biggest gold market. There is even a replica of the world in the form a luxury development project during which land was reclaimed from the sea using desert sand.



But, while Dubai is the glitziest emirate, it is by no means the only one. Abu Dhabi is seeking to raise its profile and get a bigger piece of the PR that the UAE currently enjoys. Projects are underway to make Abu Dhabi known as more than Dubai's humble kin.

The success of upstart Etihad Airways, an Abu Dhabi-based upscale airline that has grown exponentially over the past few years, has perhaps inspired the emirate to give itself a makeover. It will all start at the airport. A multi-billion dollar renovation is underway. The emirate hopes that the airport becomes a major hub for the region and a major stopping off point for airlines traveling between the East and the West.

Where Dubai is known for its glitz, Abu Dhabi is known for its authentic culture and natural beauty. And it is trying to capitalize on both, while making it more attractive for people to visit by regulating hotel prices.

Abu Dhabi is also trying to capitalize on its image as a cultural city. Branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim are being constructed and numerous local cultural attractions are being renovated and/or promoted.

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi face the same cultural problems. Both are ruled by strict (strict by western standards) Islam-inspired moral codes. There have been frequent instances where western tourists are accused of ?inappropriate behavior?. A British couple was jailed for getting too frisky on a Dubai beach. A few more high-profile cases could douse the buzz that Abu Dhabi needs to get going.