The visitor sees greenery al l the way along thirty-minute drive from the airport. In the heat of the summer, especially, one realizes what a major achievement this is, as every tree and lawn and plant has to be watered continuously by a massive irrigation system. There are so many parks and gardens that, on the western side of the city in particular, it is possible to go for long walks without leaving the grass. New species of grass and bushes have been developed to cope with the harsh conditions. These new grasses continue to l ook good in blazing sunshine, even though they grow in soil which is mostly sand.
Every park is like a botanical garden, full of fascinating plants.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the breathtaking rate of development, the indigenous people of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi remain conservative. They attach the greatest value to keeping alive their traditional values and customs. On such occasions it is possible to witness traditional Arab dancing. The men perform a slow, rhythmic dance, waving s words in the air. The young girls dance standing in a row and swishing their very long hair from side to side.