Ħaż-Żabbar is bound to the north by Kalkara and Xgħajra, to the west by Fgura and the Cottonera Lines (enclosing the localities of Vittoriosa and Cospicua), to the east by Marsaskala and to the south by Żejtun.

The western part of this town, composed essentially of Il-Biċċieni and Tal-Bajjada (also known as Il-Misraħ) areas, is characterized by high dwelling density and comprises a series of winding streets that define the village core.

[citation needed] The eastern half is mostly suburban with more recent developments mostly in the form of terraced housing and modern maisonettes and apartments.

Ħaż-Żabbar was granted city status by the last Grand Master on Malta, Ferdinand von Hompesch, in whose name the population built a triumphal arch on the main approach road from Paola through Fgura.

The then Metropolitan Archbishop of Malta Michael Gonzi crowned the miraculous image of Our Lady of Grace venerated in her Sanctuary.

[citation needed] The whole accident, which involved other parts of the city due to the violent explosion, claimed six victims.

The building of the Church of Our Lady of Graces was started in 1641 at the instigation of the Parish Priest Don Francesco Piscopo and was completed around 1718 according to the commemoration plaque of the Consecration by Bishop Vincenzo Labini in 1784.

Largely from the private funds of the Parish Priest Andrea Buhagiar, in addition to money collected from the people of Ħaż-Żabbar, work on embellishing the church was started in 1738.

The Maltese architect Giovanni Bonavia redesigned the façade and two belltowers were erected; in addition the church was paved in marble and provided with a crypt.

Ħaż-Żabbar hosts a village feast on the first Sunday after 8 September, which features a motorcycle and bicycle pilgrimage each starting from Mosta and Rabat respectively.

Strong competition exists between the village's two band clubs, Società Filarmonica Maria Mater Gratiæ and Għaqda Madonna Tal-Grazzja Banda San Mikiel.

An afternoon pilgrimage accompanied by the titular statue, having a different starting point each year, is led by the Archbishop of Malta and ends at the Our Lady of Grace Sanctuary where a pontifical mass is celebrated.

Among the celebrations for this feast one can mention the Classical Music Concerts held by the two local band clubs in the Notre Dame Hall.

Società Filarmonica Maria Mater Gratiæ organises an annual Holy Week exhibition held inside the club where it is situated.

This exhibition, held inside the World War 2 Shelter in the square where the Għaqda Madonna Tal-Grazzja Banda San Mikiel club is situated, includes life size figures depicting the Passion of Christ.

[16] Żabbar is twinned with:[19] The Council also has a Partnership Agreement with two other European towns, Montgeron in France and Póvoa de Varzim in Portugal.

Joseph Zarb (d. 1985) Writers: Karmenu Bonavia (d.2017),[23] Karmenu Ellul Galea (d. 2007), Dr Carmel Mallia, Prof. Daniel Massa,[24] Achille Mizzi (poet),[24] Alfred Palma,[24] George Peresso,[24] P. Mattew Sultana (d. 1986) Educationist: Dr Frans Chetcuti (d. 1983) Footballer: Clayton Failla (national team; ex St Patrick's FC)[25] TV Presenters: Quinton Scerri (TVM) Newscasters: Keith Demicoli (TVM),[26] Fabian Demicoli (NET)[26] Musicians: Mro Wiġi Bongailas (d. 1985), Fredu Abela "il-Bamboċċu" (Għana musician, d. 2003),[27] Mro John.

Pace, Marvic Monreal (mezzo-soprano), Christian Arding (singer),[28] Mike Spiteri (singer),[29] Joseph Cetchuti (violinist)[26] Artists: William Azzopardi (watercolourist),[30] Mario Portelli (illustrator), James Vella Clark (landscape, abstract),[31] Dylan Agius (tattoo artist)[32] The system of local councils in Malta was set up in 1993.

In 1997, a set of 3 stamps depicting the 3 cities connected with Ferdinand von Hompesch (Żabbar, Siġġiewi, and Żejtun) was issued.