Fujairah Features in The National Newspaper

Truly National
It is to be expected that The National newspaper, which has been launched today in paper and online, will contain many stories and photographs from the city that is paying its bills.

It is pleasing, however, to discover that the virgin issue has several stories from Fujairah which signals that the newspaper is aiming to have a national reach in reality as well as in name.

Everyday Life in Fujairah
Already being favourably quoted in blogs today is a story by Rym Tina Ghazal about a Fujairah woman who speaks about her sense of isolation in the eastern emirate, what it was like to weather Cyclone Gonu, the assistance of maids, access to health, and life generally in the overgrown village. This is one person’s impression but the number of Fujairah people commuting each day to Dubai and Sharjah reveals another picture of connection across the country and it highlights Fujairah’s new role as the most affordable dormitory suburb of Dubai.

Fujairah Fotographs
In a report of the Saudi sale of Etisalat shares it is good to see a picture of the distinctive Etisalat Tower in Fujairah and another scene from the eastern city in The National’s Picture Gallery.

Finance Fuels Fujairah Economy
As evidence that The National journos have been writing dummy runs for weeks, a business story posted on 24 March 2008 by Hugh Naylor describes the impact on the UAE government injection of finance in upgrading Fujairah roads, drainage and sewerage systems.

Fujairah Fish Prices Falling
After months of complaining about the exorbitant price of fresh fish, another story written days before The National was launched, reports the dramatic falling of fish prices. It highlights the rush to the Fujairah fish markets where, in contrast to the other emirates, no minimum prices have been established, leaving Fujairah with the greatest supply and the lowest prices.

The article adds a reminder saying that while Fujairah fish are being sold at bargain basement prices, the savings will be wiped out once you’ve paid the petrol costs to drive to Fujairah and home! But why not turn your trip to the Fujairah markets into a pleasant drive, not only to fill your deep freeze but to experience some authentic Emirati culture?

Dr. Geoff Pound

Image: Moza al Kaabi is the first person from Fujairah to feature in The National.