On a recent drive to Dubai, the Last Exit pit stop was busy with hungry motorists refuelling before arriving in Dubai. Another branch of the food truck park is under construction on the other side of the E11 heading towards Abu Dhabi. The advent of places such as Last Exit, along with the newer service stations, has resulted in the closure of many of the older types of roadside cafes – such as the one pictured. We don't know the exact location of Al Hadfee Restaurant, but it was photographed at some point in the mid-80s and is emblazoned with adverts for Lipton and, intriguingly, RC Cola – not a common sight these days. There are still a dwindling number of these cafes, where karak tea sells for a Dh1, providing a vital pit stop for many lower earning workers.
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