Dubai: Abu Dhabi's Western Region Development Council (WRDC) has announced the new name and brand identity for the hydrocarbon-rich region.
"The region will now be known as Al Gharbia in both English and Arabic," WRDC said in a statement. "The new identity for the region was developed following extensive market research across the UAE, GCC and internationally, that involved not only the local residents but also prospective tourists and investors."
The government has earmarked Dh98 billion for infrastructure, tourism and economic development projects in the region, which covers a staggering 60,000 square kilometres or 71 per cent of the total land mass of the UAE or 83 per cent of Abu Dhabi.
"Dh98 billion might not be enough as we have grand plans for the region, inhabited by only 120,000 people," said Mohammad Bin Azzan Al Mazroui, WRDC's director-general.
"We would like more people to live, work, invest and visit us. There is a great tourism potential that we would like investors to look at. This vast region is the biggest and with the lowest density. So, there are greater opportunities that we want to promote."
Key areas
Al Gharbia comprises seven main cities: Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Liwa, Ghayathi, Sila, Ruwais and Dalma Island, and is close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Key cities that one can visit for tourism include Mirfa, Liwa, Dalma Island and Sir Bani Yas. Mirfa is known for its natural harbour, where dolphins, turtles, fish and other marine life can be found. Liwa is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world and is the base camp for the annual UAE Desert Challenge.
"Each of the cities have their own charm and attractions. One has to come here to explore this and we are going to encourage domestic tourism." he said.
Dalma Island is one of the premier historical islands for tourism in the country with its rich history of pearl diving and Sir Bani Yas, scheduled to open in October 2008, is to feature a nature reserve, serene escapes, and an Arabian Wildlife Park.
