It was officially created in 2003 by the regrouping of sub-prefectures of the regions of Dikhil and Djibouti.

The Hemed mountain is the highest point in the region of Arta.

The climate of Arta Region is generally semi-arid to arid, and its territory is mostly covered by mountains, high plains, and desert.

The climate of the coastal strip is influenced by warm ocean waters, keeping the region free from extremes of temperature and providing moisture for rainfall.

However, most of the Arta Region populace experience two weather seasons: a "winter" period of rather cold and warm temperatures and higher levels of rainfall and a sultry summer period of hot, sticky temperatures.