A historical perspective of the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border

Our readers have their say on roads in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and the history of their names, studies on coronavirus and the percentage of new cases

Workers beside Seeh Shoaeb Restaurant at Saih Sheib, September 30, 2009. Jaime Puebla / The National

I write to you in reference to Gillian Duncan and Shireena Al Nowais's story Coronavirus: How does Abu Dhabi's new border system work? (June 30): the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border temporary shutdown was a necessary measure undertaken by the UAE government to help contain the spread of Covid-19. It was also a significant act, unseen in the last 50 years of Emirati history. Not since December 2, 1971 has the border between the two emirates been restricted in such a manner.

There was a time, in the pre-union days, when one had to present a passport to enter Dubai from Abu Dhabi and vice versa. Modern day citizens and residents can still get a sense of this the next time they drive up or down the E11 motorway. A remnant of the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border still exists. It is a small green building on the coastal side of the motorway that today serves as the Saih Sheib Police Station.

The successful demarcation of Abu Dhabi and Dubai territory was one of the leading achievements led by Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, and Sheikh Rashid.

Sheikh Zayed Road for example, Dubai’s most famous road, was named in honour of the then ruler of Abu Dhabi. This road actually begins at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche as Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (known more casually in Abu Dhabi as Airport Road).

The name changes from Sheikh Rashid Road to Sheikh Zayed Road the moment you cross the border from Abu Dhabi into Dubai. In naming their grandest streets after one another, the founders of the UAE enacted a symbolic gesture with a view to strengthen the union during its nascent days.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s current rulers have built on the foundations set by the UAE's Founding Fathers. The recently inaugurated E311 or Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed road now links the newer outer suburbs of Abu Dhabi with the new outer suburbs of Dubai and is a testament to the continued relevance and the enduring vision of the union. We will overcome the coronavirus crisis. But as we enter the 50th anniversary of the UAE, we need to maintain a historical perspective.

Ahmed Shubbar, Abu Dhabi

Plenty of trusted studies validated by doctors

With regard to the report WHO stops trials for drug Donald Trump promoted as a coronavirus remedy  (July 4): the Lancet study was a scandal; even the journal admitted later that the study was based on fake data. However, there are a lot of trusted studies proving the efficacy of certain medicines when prescribed in the early stages – by doctors.

Lana L, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Percentage of coronavirus cases hasn't changed

With reference to Coronavirus: UAE records 716 new cases and three deaths as daily tests pass 70,000 (July 4): Look at the test numbers. Saturday's are based on 71,000 tests. The actual percentage of positive cases hasn't changed but the fact they are catching more at once now is a good thing. The more you catch those currently infected the faster we will get past this.

Suzanne Arruda, Dubai