Al Dhafra Region, known until 2017 as Al Gharbia or the Western Region, is one of three Municipal Regions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Forming the western part of the United Arab Emirates, it is by far the largest region by area, occupying 71 % of the Abu Dhabi emirate's total area, yet the smallest by population and population density, and thus a rather remote region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, similar to the Eastern Region. The capital of Al Dhafra Region is Madinat Zayed. The new official name was already the historical name of the westernmost region of former Trucial Oman, which was Dhafrah. It is significant for its natural resources, particularly gas and petroleum. Its reserves of hydrocarbons account for 90% of the Emirate's reserves, which in turn account for 90% of the country's reserves, and are important for the local economy.
Dunes near Liwa Oasis in the region of Ar-Rub' Al-Khali (The Empty Quarter)
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is one of seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates. It is the largest emirate, accounting for 87% of the nation's total land area or 67,340 km2 (26,000 sq mi).
Al-Hosn Fort in Abu Dhabi, dating to the 18th century
A date palm grove in the desert north of Liwa Oasis in the Western Region, roughly in the area of Ar-Rub' Al-Khali (The Empty Quarter), which covers much of the emirate
Average temperatures in Abu Dhabi emirate
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emir of Abu Dhabi from 2004 to 2022.