The border crossing between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Peter Jackson
The border crossing between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Peter Jackson

More than a motorway, E11 was the road to progress for a new nation



Even before the ink was dry on the new constitution of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971, agreement had been reached to build a motorway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

This was the missing link in the fledgling nation's road network; paved motorways already connected Abu Dhabi to Al Ain, and Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, but not its two biggest cities.

Finally Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid, rulers of the two emirates, met together in the desert to agree on the exact path of the new route.

Construction began in 1972, with a single carriageway in each direction. From Abu Dhabi it would begin at what is now the E22 to Al Ain. The location was called Mafraq, Arabic for junction, and the area is still known by this name today.

In Dubai, the new road would begin at the Defence Roundabout or First Interchange and push through past Jebel Ali to the border at Seih Ash Sheib. Regular commuters between the two cities will know that the border these days is identified by a subtle change of colour in the tarmac, with a row of trees that begins down the central reservation of the Abu Dhabi section.

Although by 1973 the road was all but complete, it was realised that a single carriageway would be inadequate for the volume of traffic.

On the orders of Sheikh Zayed, construction began on a second carriageway alongside the first, creating a four lane motorway. By 1978, the road was finished.

Since then, the E11 has been upgraded at least twice to create the eight-lane highway that speeds travellers between the two cities in less than an hour and a half.

In the 1990s, the Dubai section of the E11 was renamed Sheikh Zayed Road in honour of the President. In reply, Abu Dhabi renamed its section Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road.

Even today the road remains a work in progress, with a major widening project and junction under construction at Al Samha to serve the new Kizad port and industrial area.

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No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021

Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.

Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.

Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.

Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.

Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.

Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.

Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”

Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI. 

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The Penguin

Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz

Creator: Lauren LeFranc

Rating: 4/5

THE BIO

Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren

Favourite travel destination: Switzerland

Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers

Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum

Results:

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Al Montaqem, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m | Winner: Daber W’Rsan, Connor Beasley, Jaci Wickham

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m | Winner: Bainoona, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m | Winner: AF Makerah, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 | Winner: AF Motaghatres, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,600m | Winner: Tafakhor, Ronan Whelan, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5