Abu Dhabi and the Persian Gulf

With its soaring skyline, it?s hard to believe that until the 1960s, the island-city of Abu Dhabi -- the capital of the United Arab Emirates -- had no paved roads and its structures were simple palm huts. The history of Abu Dhabi is a true rags-to-riches tale: today it boasts of being the world?s richest city, thanks to massive oil reserves.

Homosexuality is officially outlawed in the U.A.E., but as in its sister emirate, Dubai (75 miles away), a huge expat community contributes to a thriving nightlife scene.