(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Thousands of people pass a certain sign every day but how many make the journey asks David Light
It stands there proudly. Adorning the entrance to a tunnel on Sheikh Zayed Road coming from Sharjah to Dubai quite near the airport. ‘All lanes lead to Abu Dhabi’ the incongruously older looking sign reads presumably informing drivers continuing from that point for 150 miles or so in a straight line will deliver them to the capital. In reality it’s more to do with the fact everybody in Dubai takes their directional bearings in relation to where the neighbouring emirates are.
“You need to go to Deira Head towards Sharjah.”
“Oh JBR I know that. Go towards Abu Dhabi.”
It got me thinking though how many people besides the daily commuters go to Abu Dhabi of their own accord Sharjah’s so close and the other cities are notorious for their beaches mountains and lenient stance on the purchasing of…let’s call it lemonade. What has Abu Dhabi got to offer
I’m talking real Abu Dhabi here. The island. Yas has the Grand Prix and concerts Saadiyat has a list of hotels and restaurants as long as your arm and the Mosque is on the mainland. I’m asking who crosses the bridges over to where it’s at Over to the corniches both old and new To the intensity of Electra Street To the old school Khalifa International Bowling Centre that’s full every night or the ramshackle charm of the Irani Market in Port Zayed I’m willing to bet not many residents of the other six emirates have. It’s just a hunch but taking cues from people you meet and things you read those not living there are probably neglecting the older parts of the capital. This is therefore a call for change. They’ll be gone or altered beyond recognition in the name of progress soon so grab a glance before that happens. No matter where you are all lanes do eventually lead to Abu Dhabi. So use them. (davidkhaleejtimes.com)