Classical radio station now available nationwide

Abu Dhabi Classic FM, broadcasting at 91.6FM in the capital, launches a new frequency, 89.7FM, which will be available in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

DUBAI // The UAE's only classical music radio station is now available nationwide. Abu Dhabi Classic FM, broadcasting at 91.6FM in the capital, today launched a new frequency, 89.7FM, which will be available in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Abdulrahman Awadh al Harthi, the director of Abu Dhabi Radio Network, of which AD Classic FM is a subsidiary, called the launch a "milestone" for the station. "[It] reaffirms our earlier commitment to broadcast UAE-wide. We are confident this will further boost the station's popularity," he said. Reaction from listeners was mixed. Rebecca Rendell, 26, a Ras Al Khaimah-based artist from the UK, who often listens to Vivaldi's Four Seasons in the studio, said she was excited about the new station. "I grew up on this kind of music and I find it extremely relaxing," she said. "I always play it when I'm in the studio because it helps me get into the zone. I like a lot of different sorts of music, but I can't listen to hardcore dance while I am working. I will definitely tune in." Tarek Naja, 28, who works in IT security, also in RAK, said he hoped coverage reached all the emirates. "I don't know whether it's my radio or the coverage, but I don't seem to get any good radio stations up here," he said. "I really like classical music so I'll be looking out for it." Iman ben Chaibah, who works as an IT product manager in Dubai, said she did not think it would have much on an impact in the city. "We already have a diverse mix of stations here, which gives me whatever I want from pop music to hits from the '70s and '80s, as well as lots of talk shows and discussions. I don't really think we need any more," she said. Although she listens to the radio for a minimum of two hours a day when she is in her car, Miss ben Chaibah, 25, an Emirati, said she wouldn't be a listener. "It's really not my kind of music, I guess I'm just not that interested." Listeners to the new frequency will have the same schedule of programmes already been transmitted in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Abu Dhabi Radio Network is part of Abu Dhabi Media Company, which owns The National. [e-mail]