Abu Dhabi: The Officers City area in the capital, located past the Mussaffah Bridge in the outbound direction and off the Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, was officially designated as the Abu Dhabi Gate City, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City announced in a statement.

The statement added that the change had been communicated to all government bodies, and it also called upon official entities to use the district’s new name in relevant correspondence, communication and transactions.

Speaking about the change, Salah Awad Al Sarraj, acting executive director of the town planning sector at the municipality said that the new name reflected the significance of the district to the capital.

“The area occupies a strategic location in the capital, and the name change comes because Abu Dhabi Gate City is located at one of the key entrances to the Abu Dhabi main island. The district also acts as a connection between other key areas in the capital, including Mohammad bin Zayed City, Khalifa City A and the upcoming Capital District,” Al Sarraj said.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi International Airport and its connecting highway lie in close proximity, he added.

Abu Dhabi Gate City spans a total area of 8.9 square kilometers, and is a vital crossroad between the capital, Al Ain and Dubai. The Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the landmarks visible from the area.

Al Sarraj said that the municipality was working at including the new name on all signage so that there was no confusion among road users, and also so that the name gained rapid acceptance among residents and visitors.