Ruwais (الرويس) Town

With oil reserves that is expected to last for more than 100 years, Ruwais is the source of Abu Dhabi's wealth. And Abu Dhabi is the main contributor of oil exports (>90%) in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is the owner of many refineries located in Ruwais.To house the many engineers and workers of these oil facilities, ADNOC has built the Ruwais Housing Complex. Situated a few kilometers from the ADNOC refinery, this is the only town of any size here 250km from Abu Dhabi city. It is also another 100km more to go to the Saudi border town of Sila. For those who have to work in the oil refinery, power station of desalination plants in this area, Ruwais is the only nearby source of civilization. Devoid of any entertainment, this small township nevertheless provides all the basic amenities to its residents.

The housing complex is a beautifully landscaped township with houses and apartments which are the main forms of abode. The roads are clean and neat. Trees line the roads providing a green effect in the middle of the desert.Primary and secondary schools are available for the children of ADNOC workers. As are shopping arcade and medical facilities. There are also sports and gymnasium facilites spread out at different areas of the complex. And of course, several mosques are built to cater to the needs of the Muslim community.

The town center of Ruwais consists of the central market which houses the Abu Dhabi bank, ETISALAT office, reception area, bakery, market, supermarket and shops selling items like stationery, hardware, computers and tour packages. A post office and the red crescent socity can also be found here. The Grand Mosque is located behind the central market.A bus station provides bus services to Gayathi and Jebel Dhanna as well as Abu Dhabi city. Run by the Abu Dhabi Municipality, the bus services are an important mode of transport for those without cars. The service is not magnificent but the fares are cheap. (Dh10 to Abu Dhabi). However, one may have to bear with poor scheduling and Arabic-only signs.

There's a saying that a green UAE is the symbol of its wealth. In the vast expanse of barren and hostile desert land, you can actually find a township which is so green and abundant with vegetation. This is what you see in big cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai. And even in Ruwais (in the middle of the desert) you can find such greenery in the housing complex.Water sprinklers are installed to keep the grass alive here. Beautiful flowers seem to blossom in the winter. Trees and palms also give the entire area a cooling and nice feel.