In pictures: Infrastructure boost for Abu Dhabi’s Western Region

Madinat Zayed, United Arab Emirates, May 23, 2013: A road and a sidewalk end abruptly at a desert's edge as seen on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at the periphery of Madinat Zayed in Western Region. Education and employment opportunities were limited in the past but development of Al Gharbia is beginning to open them up. Silvia Razgova / The National

Towns and cities, including Madinat Zayed, Dalma, Sila, Ghayathi, Ruwais, Liwa and Mirfa, are spread over hundreds of kilometres up to the border with Saudi Arabia. Oil and gas account for 90 per cent of the area’s GDP, yet the region still maintains it???

Young boys hang out at a street side cafe in downtown Madinat Zayed. The region lacks plenty of amenities as well as gardens and amusement parks for children and families, one resident told The National. Silvia Razgova / The National

Madinat Zayed, the largest city in the Western Region, also known as Al Gharbia, is set to benefit from Dh1.5 billion in infrastructure projects earmarked for the area, announced by the Executive Council on May 8. Silvia Razgova / The National

Emiratis living in the Western Region are pleased with plans to develop their home, with upgrades to the roads high on people’s list of improvements - particularly the Abu Dhabi to Guwaifat highway, which is unlit and in a poor condition. Christopher Pi???