For decades, Al Ain has been famous for its road system and the city's large number of roundabouts, often adorned with sculptures and public art.
Now authorities are planning a major transformation of the roads network, in which some of the roundabouts will be replaced by underpasses, bridges and traffic lights.
The plan aims to reduce travel times for motorists by improving traffic flow and enhancing the quality of life of the public.
Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipality and Transport said the revamp would take place in stages, with its historic sculptures moved to other locations to preserve the city's heritage. It is unclear how many roundabouts will be changed or when the project will be completed.
I am very happy that we have kept these landmarks because it's what makes the city so special
Manal Ibrahim
"The 2010 comprehensive transportation plan for Al Ain 2030 was approved to provide infrastructure and urbanisation to enhance its capabilities to meet the expected population and urban growth requirements for the next 20 years," a DMT representative told The National.
"Updates in 2023 are reflected in the evolving city plan and completed projects, as part of the Municipality's efforts to preserve well-known landmarks associated with the city."
Roundabouts were introduced in the UAE in the 1950s and were based on the UK's traffic system. However, due to the high volume of traffic on the roads, they have been slowly phased out to make way for more efficient flyovers.
Preserving ancient landmarks
Al Ain is home to many roundabouts, including the famous Tawam roundabout, which is one of the city's oldest that was originally positioned as the first roundabout for motorists arriving in Al Ain from Abu Dhabi.
It became a landmark in the city thanks to its four distinctive horse statues – two black and two white – located behind hedges, palm trees, street maps and flower-lined walkways.
Now, the roundabout is being redeveloped into an underpass tunnel with a graded traffic junction to improve congestion.
It is unclear where the horse statues will be relocated. However, officials said efforts are being made to ensure that all landmark sculptures will be preserved.
Among the first to undergo the transformation was the Deer, Clock and Al Mandous roundabouts, in the heart of the city.
The sculpture originally erected at Al Mandous roundabout was installed at the intersection of Ali bin Abi Talib Street and Hessa bint Mohammed Street.
The Deer Roundabout, which features a statue of two Arabian oryx, was moved to the junction project in the Ma'aterid area at about the same time.
The Clock Tower Roundabout, built in 1968, also served as a point of reference and a symbol of the 135km distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The oldest aerial photos on record show the roundabout in 1976.
Al Ain's identity
"These landmarks and roundabouts are very well known, even if they are no longer there in a form of a roundabout. When I give people directions I still say 'where the clock roundabout is,'" said Egyptian resident Manal Ibrahim, who has lived in Al Ain for about three decades.
"People who have lived in Al Ain for a long time know about these iconic landmarks as they have become part of the city's identity.
"I am very happy that we have kept these landmarks because it's what makes the city so special."
While fast-moving developments are taking place in the city, Ms Ibrahim said she liked that the traditions, heritage and old landmarks are being "cared for and saved by the country which adds a unique touch to the city".
Adeeb Sami, regional director of Aecom, a global infrastructure consulting company, has lived in Al Ain for three decades.
He said the city's road improvement project would attract more visitors and tourists, which will have a positive effect on the city's economy.
"There will be more spending and more business," he told The National, adding that it will also help to reduce congestion on the roads. "It will be better for the environment because of the reduction of travel time, helping to reduce emissions from cars and improve the air quality."
Mr Sami said Al Ain had an advantage over other cities in the UAE because it is not as heavily populated.
"Al Ain is a city with a different vision to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and it is not as populated as other cities in the UAE. It has been developed horizontally not vertically, which gives us an advantage when creating an intersection after removing the roundabouts," he said.
"There are no tall buildings in Al Ain so that is an advantage because the population per square kilometre is not like Abu Dhabi's, so that provides us with a margin that we can work with which provides flexibility in terms of changing the roundabouts."
Scores
Wales 74-24 Tonga
England 35-15 Japan
Italy 7-26 Australia
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
SPECS
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Prop idols
Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.
Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)
An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.
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Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)
Few players anywhere will have taken a more circuitous route to playing rugby on Sky Sports. Gough-Walters was born in Al Wasl Hospital in Dubai, raised in Sharjah, did not take up rugby seriously till she was 15, has a master’s in global governance and ethics, and once worked as an immigration officer at the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi. In the summer of 2021 she played for Wales against England in rugby league, in a match that was broadcast live on TV.
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Erin King (Dubai Hurricanes mini, Ireland sevens international)
Aged five, Australia-born King went to Dubai Hurricanes training at The Sevens with her brothers. She immediately struck up a deep affection for rugby. She returned to the city at the end of last year to play at the Dubai Rugby Sevens in the colours of Ireland in the Women’s World Series tournament on Pitch 1.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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Suggested picnic spots
Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
The five pillars of Islam
The%20specs
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Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Iqbal Restaurant behind Wendy’s on Hamdan Street for the chicken karahi (Dh14)
Pathemari in Navy Gate for prawn biryani (from Dh12 to Dh35)
Abu Al Nasar near Abu Dhabi Mall, for biryani (from Dh12 to Dh20)
Bonna Annee at Navy Gate for Ethiopian food (the Bonna Annee special costs Dh42 and comes with a mix of six house stews – key wet, minchet abesh, kekel, meser be sega, tibs fir fir and shiro).
Al Habasha in Tanker Mai for Ethiopian food (tibs, a hearty stew with meat, is a popular dish; here it costs Dh36.75 for lamb and beef versions)
Himalayan Restaurant in Mussaffa for Nepalese (the momos and chowmein noodles are best-selling items, and go for between Dh14 and Dh20)
Makalu in Mussaffa for Nepalese (get the chicken curry or chicken fry for Dh11)
Al Shaheen Cafeteria near Guardian Towers for a quick morning bite, especially the egg sandwich in paratha (Dh3.50)
Pinky Food Restaurant in Tanker Mai for tilapia
Tasty Zone for Nepalese-style noodles (Dh15)
Ibrahimi for Pakistani food (a quarter chicken tikka with roti costs Dh16)
The years Ramadan fell in May
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Thor: Ragnarok
Dir: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson
Four stars
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
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BABYLON
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SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
