ABU DHABI // The country's only radio station dedicated to rock and metal music has been taken off the air.
Rock Radio, established in 2011, has ceased broadcasting on its radio frequency 90.7FM.
The station will still be available online, according to a statement on its Facebook page.
"As you know, Rock Radio has had problems with its signal for many months and the frequency owners, Fujairah Media Group, have taken the decision to withdraw the Rock Radio service from 90.7FM, but we will continue with our finest selection of rock music online or indeed through the listen live tab here on Facebook," the statement read.
"The Rock Radio team is deeply saddened by this but at the same time respect the tough decision that Fujairah Media Group management have taken."
Facebook fans expressed their disappointment at the decision.
"Devastated! Will still listen online though arghh what am I going to listen to driving to work?" complained one listener.
"This is so depressing. I've been waiting for this reception issue to be fixed, not to have the station shut! You should join with another radio station here, no one else plays good music," wrote another.
Despite the bad news for its listeners, the statement from Rock Radio ended on a high note: "Rock Radio ROCKED thanks to you and will always have a place in the history of radio in the UAE and Gulf region as the first of its kind – a station dedicated to the best genre in the world!!! Keep flying the flag for the rock music fraternity."
Fans can tune in at www.rockradio.ae
ksinclair@thenational.ae