Abu Dhabi: A range of new community facilities will soon enhance living standards in Al Dhafra region (formerly Western Region), the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) announced in the capital Tuesday.

On the first day of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the DMAT signed an agreement with a local private firm for the refurbishment and extension of a Dh222 million Central Market in the Al Dhafra town of Madinat Zayed. Following the development, the 53,000 square-metre Market will include better retail offerings, as well as a slew of recreational facilities, a number of health centres and a cinema.

The town of Ghayathi will also soon have a new fresh-produce, meat and fish market spanning about 17,200 square metres. The Dh33.7 million development will also include gyms, children’s play area, and a cinema on its upper levels. The project is expected to be awarded to developers soon.

Ateeq Al Mazrouei, acting director general of Al Dhafra Municipality, also called upon the private sector to take advantage of the investment opportunities in the region. These include the refurbishment of the Ghayathi slaughterhouse, and the development of residential projects in the towns of Mirfa and Liwa. The Municipality is also looking for investors to develop a 52,000-square metre commercial and residential hub in Ghayathi, as well as a project to create billboards along the Abu Dhabi-Ghuwaifat international highway.