Abu Dhabi renames its western region

Abu Dhabi's western region has been given a new name and brand identity as part of a major effort to improve the region's tourism and investment prospects. The new name of the region, which will now be known as Al Gharbia, was announced at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2008. The Abu Dhabi government said it plans to invest Dhs98bn ($27bn) on infrastructure, tourism and economic development projects in the region, which covers 60,000 square kilometres or 71% of the total land mass of the UAE or 83% of Abu Dhabi.