Hard Rock Cafe was a popular landmark in Dubai that was demolished in 2013. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National
Hard Rock Cafe was a popular landmark in Dubai that was demolished in 2013. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

Urban landmarks



When street names were nearly non-existent, landmarks were used to guide residents and visitors. One of the most famous is the Ramada Hotel in Bur Dubai. Surrounded by little more than desert when it opened its doors in 1983, the Ramada was the first four-star hotel in Bur Dubai. Its demolition is another sign of the pace of development and the price paid for rapid urbanisation.

For many residents, buildings such as the Ramada Hotel are more than structures – they are part of the fabric of the city. Even though efforts are being made to modernise our cities with ordered street names, many of these landmarks are still used as navigational aids. Considering their historical significance, steps could to be taken to preserve them on a municipal level. But we can take solace in the fact that their memory lives on when we conjure up their names as we get around town.

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)

Racecard:
2.30pm: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoun Emirates Breeders Society Challenge; Conditions (PA); Dh40,000; 1,600m
3pm: Handicap; Dh80,000; 1,800m
3.30pm: Jebel Ali Mile Prep Rated Conditions; Dh110,000; 1,600m
4pm: Handicap; Dh95,000; 1,950m
4.30pm: Maiden; Dh65,000; 1,400m
5pm: Handicap; Dh85,000; 1,200m

COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4

A Prayer Before Dawn

Director: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire

Starring: Joe Cole, Somluck Kamsing, Panya Yimmumphai

Three stars

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

If you go…

Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.

Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days. 

Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

 


 

The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now