Abu Kamarran
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Abu Kamarran is the largest and most important city of Al Khalidha, it is the hub for transport, commerce and politics.
Contents
Population
In the 2005 Census, Abu Kamarran's population was 7 Million, but further estimates suggest around 18 Million live in the metropolitan. The city is home to many ethnic groups, primarily the Arabs, followed by Indians (mainly Gujaratis and Panjabi), Persians, Pakistanis and Europeans. Within the past few years, a growing Serb and Greek community has been seen throughout in the city, shown by the numerous Serb restaurants and Greek Tavernas operating throughout the city. Al Khalidha's easy visa reigeme has led to the huge increase of those from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh within the past 20 years.
History
Founded in 845 BC by Assyrian traders. Since this, it has grown to become a huge trade hub not only for Al Khalidha, but for some of the Middle East aswell. Since then it has been progressing steadily to become a prime trading hub.
However in 1976, due to the Al Khalidhan government's reluctance to pull out of the Ashmahir Region, Abu Kamarran was the scene of a US-led air strike resulting in the destruction of numerous buildings throughout the city and the deaths of around 4 000 people. The city quickly reconstructed though and this has been reflected well in the city's modern architecture.
Districts
The largest and central district of Abu Kamarran is the City Centre or SAR (Sheikh Aziz Rashid) Zone, full of Embassies and High-rise office towers. The District is home to the Parliment and several large shopping centres. Following the bombings in the 1970's, a lot of this area has been transformed rather than reconstructed, many architects from all around the Middle East have designed the buildings around here (namely from the Gulf States), some companies from outside the Middle East was the large Australian construction company Multiplex, some of the newer skyscrapers have been designed by the Australian Grollo Brothers (also the ones behind the Burj Dubai).
The new and growing Ammaar district is seeking to become the major centre for Abu Kamarran, many new embassies, hotels and offices are forming in this growing districts. This district is fairly recent, with the concept of this district being planned in the mid 1990's.
A very large residential-commercial area completely surrounds the City Centre and Ammaar district. Mainly a middle to lower class area, however, with the new residential developments being built over the older and poorly constructed ones, it is regaining it's economic status. This district, known as Al Majardir is best described as Abu Kamarran's 'East End'.
Sheikh Abdul Aziz International Airport
This is the largest airport in Al Khalidha, it comprises of 2 terminals and 3 runways. In 2006 it processed 21 Million Passengers making it a major airport in the Middle East, it is seen as a prime air traffic hub with over 30 airlines flying to it. The new Airbus A380 can be handled at Abu Kamaran International (AXK) which operates on high profile routes such as Abu Kamarran - London and Abu Kamarran - Damascus.
Transportation System
The Transportation System of Abu Kamarran comprises of a metro system which operates above ground, linking most parts of the city to the city centre. There is also an extensive bus service which travels around the city. A Bahraini/UAE based construction company is looking at the possible construction for a monorail service to link the City Centre to Ammaar and the tourist areas. Traffic has been becoming more of a serious issue that the city must address as some of the city's main throughfares have been completely congested, especially during the morning and late evening.
Tourism
Abu Kamarran is seen as a developing tourist destination, but it's rapid tourist development is shown by the numerous shopping centres, hotels and resorts being built throughout the city. Within 10 years, it is projected that around 10 million tourists will stay in Abu Kamarran. Tourism in Abu Kamarran accounts for around 20% of the city's GDP. With the new Kamarshaan Entertainment Centre opening doors in around 2011, tourist numbers are set to steeply increase as the centre will provide 2 Five Star Hotels, a golf course, a huge shopping centre, a water theme park and possible casino (the casino is currently being reviewed wither it should open or not).
