Key Takeaways
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Fujairah’s E84 highway now features a 1 km stretch of musical rumble strips playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”
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Designed to work at ~100 kph, the installation doubles as road safety and public art
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It’s the first musical road in the Arab world, drawing social media interest and cultural tourism
A Symphony on Wheels
Fujairah has introduced the UAE’s — and the Arab world’s — first-ever “Street of Music”, turning a section of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E84) into a five-star auditory experience for drivers. Embedded rumble strips play the familiar tune of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, “Ode to Joy,” when vehicles travel at a speed near 100 kph. A collaboration between the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy and local authorities, the project aims to merge infrastructure with cultural expression.
Blending Art, Safety, and Experience
While rumble strips traditionally serve as a warning system for drowsy or distracted drivers, this innovative stretch transforms safety into an immersive sensory delight. The grooves are calibrated so that at the right speed, the passing wheels “play” musical notes. Director Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti explains the initiative’s dual mission: to promote art in everyday life and raise awareness about road safety and cultural appreciation.
For motorists, the experience has gone viral—many are slowing down or even stopping to enjoy the music firsthand. The road has also become a popular social media subject, drawing more visitors to Fujairah and highlighting the emirate’s growing cultural appeal.
Why It Matters to the UAE
This creative project exemplifies how public infrastructure can serve as a canvas for art and tourism. By embedding culture into everyday spaces, Fujairah is positioning itself as a destination for unconventional and immersive experiences—complementing the UAE’s larger efforts to diversify visitor attractions beyond traditional landmarks.
Such projects also reinforce the country’s image as a hub of innovation and imaginative design. As the first of its kind in the region, the "Street of Music" sets a precedent for future artistic collaborations with civic infrastructure, drawing parallels with global initiatives while maintaining a uniquely local flair.
Next Steps and Public Engagement
Authorities are monitoring how drivers interact with this musical road and exploring its potential expansion. Lessons learned from this deployment could guide similar installations in other emirates. Meanwhile, Fujairah is using the project to boost cultural tourism, encouraging visitors to experience the “Ode to Joy” highway firsthand.
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