Abu Dhabi tourism authority launches Al Gharbia map

ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), in consultation with its stakeholders and the Western Region Development Council, has launched a map of Al Gharbia, the state news agency, Wam, has reported.

The map enables visitors to easily explore some of the UAE's most dramatic desert and coastal scenery featuring 3D representations of attractions, including detailed plotting of the eight early 19th century forts and towers across the oasis town of Liwa.

Additionally, the map includes details of the archaeological and conservation destination of Sir Bani Yas Island, home to one of Arabia s largest wildlife reserves with more than 10,000 free roaming animals.

Saeed Al Dhaheri, customer service section manager at the TCA, said, "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."

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

The map will help spread the message that there is much more to see and do in Al Gharbia. In fact visitors may be surprised by the region'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," said Mr Al Dhaheri.

Al Gharbia's history of ancient settlements of fishermen, herders and farmers can be traced back 6000-8000 years and it is now home to some of Abu Dhabi s most fascinating tourism experiences.