How did we live all those years ago, when the first edition of The National hit the streets of Abu Dhabi on the morning of April 17, 2008?
Asked almost anywhere else, the question would seem facetious given such a brief passage of time. But such is the speed of change in the UAE that going back just 10 years takes you to a different world.
In Abu Dhabi in 2008, almost any journey began with the search for a passing white Toyota Corolla with gold panels over each wheel and a green sign on the roof with the word “taxi” in Arabic.
This was the city’s main method of transport for those without a car. The strongest point in favour of the gold and white taxis is that they were cheap. Almost any journey within the city cost no more than Dh5, except during prayer times when the entire fleet would vanish from the streets.
The drivers were almost exclusively Pashtun, clad in salwar kameez, all claiming to be from Peshawar as they tried to negotiate an off-meter fare that would bring them a few more dirhams.
Their knowledge of the geography of the city was generally as sparse as their command of the English language, which did little to stem the endless flow of questions.
Unaccompanied young female employees of The National were generally assumed to be in search of a husband, while any citizen of Britain – the first question asked was "Where are you from?" – was able to procure for them a visa for the UK and a job offer.
The days of the gold and white taxi were already numbered, as they were to be replaced by the silver Corollas of TransAD – more reliable but also far more expensive.
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Read more of our 10-year anniversary coverage here:
SPECIAL REPORT: Chronicling 10 years of change in the UAE
The taste of progress
Then and Now: A decade of remarkable growth in every direction imaginable
A decade of media experimentation
Technology has transformed every aspect of life in UAE
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The process of finding a taxi is also a useful reminder of how our lives in 2018 are so much easier than they were in 2008. The TransAD app involves a couple of clicks and a driver is summoned automatically to your door.
Almost every government service these days can be accessed with an app or a website. Utility bills can be paid in seconds. Many services 10 years ago would have involved a long queue at a chaotic government office.
And not just public, but also private services. When was the last time any of us needed to pay a visit to our bank?
This was the age before smartphones, of course. The first iPhone was only a few months old, and the preferred instrument of communication was the sturdy Nokia 3120, with a BlackBerry 8800 the ultimate status symbol.
It would be a mistake to think, though, that life was somehow less complicated in those days. If you did own a car, finding a space to leave it was a major headache. This was the age of sand parking, finding a vacant plot of land with a drop in the kerb to reach it. Having four-wheel drive was a major bonus.
Then came Mawaqif, the era of paid parking, and inevitably parking tickets. The blue and black or white lines first arrived in 2009 around Hamdan Street but inexorably spread across the capital. Like other changes, it has made life a little easier but also costlier.
The geography of the city has changed too. Back in 2008 Ikea, then as now often the first stop for any new arrival furnishing their home, was in Marina Mall. Today it is next to Yas Mall on Yas Island and perhaps busier than ever.
The crowds at off-island locations such as Yas Mall, with its multiplex cinema and brands that once required a trip to Dubai, illustrate a broader point. Abu Dhabi has become suburban in the past 10 years.
Khalifa City once seemed a remote place, a name on road signs leaving the island. Today it is a thriving community of Emiratis and expatriates, attracted by its excellent schools, the city’s biggest Spinneys and with a second hospital near completion. There are parks now and even some bike paths.
Back in 2008, the city was in the grip of a housing stock crisis. For new arrivals there was almost nowhere to live and what was there was massively expensive. One entrepreneur famously even tried to pass on a windowless garage as a studio apartment.
Today new arrivals are spoilt for choice – a sea vista at Al Bandar or Saadiyat, a high rise on Reem Island or a villa in Al Raha Gardens.
Back in 2008 the concept of underground parking and a swimming pool and gym was unheard of. Today it is pretty much non-negotiable.
How we are spoilt for choice in 2018.
When Jones the Grocer opened just a stone's throw from The National's old offices in Al Mamoura in 2009 it heralded a gourmet revolution in a dining landscape until then largely dominated by the shisha cafe.
Back in early 2008, the city was agog at the opening of the Shangri-La hotel at a location that even when meticulously explained to a taxi driver took some finding.
In 2018, the opening of a new luxury hotel barely raises an eyebrow. There is the Fairmont, Dusit Thani, a brace each of the Ritz Carlton and the St Regis, and the rapidly expanding Rotana Group, which has just opened a beach resort on Saadiyat.
Yet for all the changes in Abu Dhabi from then to now, families still head for the parks, seeking the cool of the evening for a picnic or an impromptu game of cricket or football.
The streets still quieten for Friday prayers and the best flatbread is still found in fresh from the oven for the price of a few coins.
If the competition in 2018 is fierce for the best wagu burger or sashimi platter, so it still is for a Chips Oman sandwich or chicken shawarma.
At its heart and in its soul, the city remains the same.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
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%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFatigue%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3Enumbness%20and%20tingling%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ELoss%20of%20balance%20and%20dizziness%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStiffness%20or%20spasms%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETremor%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EPain%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBladder%20problems%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EBowel%20trouble%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EVision%20problems%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EProblems%20with%20memory%20and%20thinking%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
The Disaster Artist
Director: James Franco
Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogan
Four stars
The specs
Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric
Transmission: n/a
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 659Nm
Price estimate: Dh200,000
On sale: Q3 2022
The years Ramadan fell in May
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%3Cp%3EThe%20fielding%20side%20shall%20be%20ready%20to%20start%20each%20over%20within%2060%20seconds%20of%20the%20previous%20over%20being%20completed.%0D%3Cbr%3EAn%20electronic%20clock%20will%20be%20displayed%20at%20the%20ground%20that%20counts%20down%20seconds%20from%2060%20to%20zero.%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20clock%20is%20not%20required%20or%2C%20if%20already%20started%2C%20can%20be%20cancelled%20if%3A%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09A%20new%20batter%20comes%20to%20the%20wicket%20between%20overs.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09An%20official%20drinks%20interval%20has%20been%20called.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20umpires%20have%20approved%20the%20on%20field%20treatment%20of%20an%20injury%20to%20a%20batter%20or%20fielder.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20time%20lost%20is%20for%20any%20circumstances%20beyond%20the%20control%20of%20the%20fielding%20side.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20third%20umpire%20starts%20the%20clock%20either%20when%20the%20ball%20has%20become%20dead%20at%20the%20end%20of%20the%20previous%20over%2C%20or%20a%20review%20has%20been%20completed.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09The%20team%20gets%20two%20warnings%20if%20they%20are%20not%20ready%20to%20start%20overs%20after%20the%20clock%20reaches%20zero.%0D%3Cbr%3E%E2%80%A2%09On%20the%20third%20and%20any%20subsequent%20occasion%20in%20an%20innings%2C%20the%20bowler%E2%80%99s%20end%20umpire%20awards%20five%20runs.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE%20SPECS
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: Najem Al Rwasi, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Fandim, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Harbh, Pat Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham
4pm: Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
UAE%20athletes%20heading%20to%20Paris%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEquestrian%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EAbdullah%20Humaid%20Al%20Muhairi%2C%20Abdullah%20Al%20Marri%2C%20Omar%20Al%20Marzooqi%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Suwaidi%2C%20and%20Ali%20Al%20Karbi%20(four%20to%20be%20selected).%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EJudo%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Narmandakh%20Bayanmunkh%20(66kg)%2C%20Nugzari%20Tatalashvili%20(81kg)%2C%20Aram%20Grigorian%20(90kg)%2C%20Dzhafar%20Kostoev%20(100kg)%2C%20Magomedomar%20Magomedomarov%20(%2B100kg)%3B%20women's%20Khorloodoi%20Bishrelt%20(52kg).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECycling%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESafia%20Al%20Sayegh%20(women's%20road%20race).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESwimming%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMen%3A%20Yousef%20Rashid%20Al%20Matroushi%20(100m%20freestyle)%3B%20women%3A%20Maha%20Abdullah%20Al%20Shehi%20(200m%20freestyle).%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAthletics%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EMaryam%20Mohammed%20Al%20Farsi%20(women's%20100%20metres).%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE
The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.
"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."
Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.
"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.
As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general.
Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound
Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety
Switched at Birth — deafness
One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy
Dragons — double amputee
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Racecard
6pm: The Pointe - Conditions (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m
6.35pm: Palm West Beach - Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (T) 1,800m
7.10pm: The View at the Palm - Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.45pm: Nakeel Graduate Stakes - Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m
8.20pm: Club Vista Mare - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,900m
8.55pm: The Palm Fountain - Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm: The Palm Tower - Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,600m
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The Baghdad Clock
Shahad Al Rawi, Oneworld
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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