The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, toured the Western Region of the Abu Dhabi emirate yesterday to inspect the petroleum, gas, development, housing, architectural and tourism projects in the area.

Sheikh Khalifa was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Sheikh Khalifa said that the projects would contribute to the tourism activity in the area as they would develop the Western Region economically, culturally and socially.

The visit also covered the Qasr Al Sarab resort. Sheikh Khalifa was impressed by the Arab heritage architecture of the palace. A banquet was hosted in honour of the President and the accompanying delegation at the Al Sarab Palace.

Amidst the golden and red sand dunes of the Liwa desert, rises the five-star luxury resort that epitomises the culture and roots of the UAE. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort aims to deliver hospitality and an ambience, reflective of genuine Emirati culture, to the world. Situated in the Empty Quarter, the world's largest stretch of uninterrupted desert, Al Sarab is a landmark that blends into its surrounding environment and a destination rich in history with settlements dating back to 7,000 years ago.

Sheikh Khalifa was also accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Western Region; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler in the Eastern Region; Sheikh Haza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor; Lt General Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, other sheikhs, ministers and high ranking officials.

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