Visitors to Abu Dhabi can now easily explore some of the most dramatic desert and coastal scenery in the United Arab Emirates via a dedicated tourist map of Al Gharbia (Western Region) produced by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

The project was completed in consultation with its stakeholders and the Western Region Development Council.

Spanning an incredible two-thirds of the emirate, Al Gharbia’s expansive array of open desert, oasis towns, secluded beaches, island experiences, stunning coastline and plethora of diverse experiences have been collated into a compact, visitor-friendly, fold-out map.

“Al Gharbia is becoming increasingly popular with visitors, and our new map features all the region’s key places of interest and highlights the region’s fascinating festivals and cultural events,” said Saeed Al Dhaheri, customer service section manager, TCA Abu Dhabi.

Al Gharbia highlights mapped include the region’s wide-ranging traditional festivals and cultural events such as the annual Liwa Date Festival and December’s Al Dhafra Camel Festival, which is one of the world’s largest desert heritage events and includes the world’s only camel beauty contest.

“The map will help spread the message that there’s much more to see and do in Al Gharbia. In fact visitors may be surprised by the area’s sheer diversity.

“We want to help attract more visitors to the region’s festivals and attractions, and increase average-length –of-stay at its hotels,” added Al Dhaheri.

Within an hour to the west of the UAE capital, Al Gharbia’s rich history of ancient settlements of fishermen, herders and farmers can be traced back 6,000-8,000 years and it is now home to some of Abu Dhabi’s most fascinating tourism experiences.