Projects underway in the western part of Abu Dhabi will help increase tourism numbers to the emirate.   The President, his Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Saturday the projects will develop the area economically, culturally, and socially. 

Shaikh Khalifa spoke at the tourism projects while touring the region to inspect petroleum, gas, developmental, housing, architectural, and tourism projects.  His visit included a tour of the five-star Qasr Al Sarab resort, in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the world’s longest stretch of uninterrupted desert.  A banquet was held in honor of Shaikh Khalifa and his entourage at the Al Sarab Palace.    Accompanying Shaikh Khalifa were his Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces.