A classical drive: Road rumble strips play Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in UAE emirate of Fujairah

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. potential / pəˈtɛn ʃəl / (adj.) – possible, but not certain yet
    Example:

    The team saw a potential problem in their plan, so they changed it.


  2. motorist / ˈmoʊ tər ɪst / (n.) – a person who drives a car
    Example:

    The motorist stopped the car at the red light.


  3. wrap up / ræp ʌp / (phrasal v.) – to finish or end something
    Example:

    The soccer players wrapped up the game when it started to rain heavily.


  4. groove / gruv / (n.) – a long, narrow line or space cut into a surface
    Example:

    The car made noise when it drove over the grooves on the road.


  5. anthem / ˈæn θəm / (n.) – a song that has special importance for a group of people, an organization, or a country, often sung on special occasions
    Example:

    At school events, students often sing the school anthem to show pride.


Article

Read the text below.

The humble road rumble strip, used around the world to alert drifting drivers to potential hazards or lane departures, can play Beethoven on a mountain highway in the far reaches of the United Arab Emirates.


For nearly a kilometer (a half mile) along the E84 highway—also known as the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road—motorists in the right-hand lane coming into the city of Fujairah can play Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony where the rubber meets the road.


“The ‘Street of Music,’ of course, is an art project that exists in some countries … but we wanted this project to be in our country,” said Ali Obaid Al Hefaiti, the director of Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, which recently wrapped up the project in collaboration with local authorities.


“I think that the project is focused on spreading the art culture. The combination of music in our lives and our normal lives,” he added.


For drivers coming into Fujairah, the rumble strip initially looks like a larger, rectangular version of the dashed lines separating the three-lane highway. That’s until you hit the first block, and the grooves of the road combine with the speed of the vehicle to make music.


Driving over each block sounds out the best-known parts of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony—the final movements known commonly as the tune “Ode to Joy,” or in its more modern form, the official anthem of the European Union. Al Hefaiti recommended motorists hit the blocks at around 100 kph (60 mph) to get the tune just right.


The road has become a social media sensation, bringing visitors to one of the lesser-known emirates in the UAE along its eastern coast with the Gulf of Oman.


Drivers have been spotted slowing down to experience the musical road as they come into the city. Passers-by can get the same effect from standing on the side of the road, though motorists often come by quickly.


Beyond it going viral, Al Hefaiti thinks it will bring classical music into everyday life and “raise awareness about the importance of art culture.”


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The road in Fujairah has rumble strips that alert drivers, but it also plays music. Do you think adding fun or artistic elements to something practical, like a road, is a good idea? Why or why not? How do you think this affects the purpose of the rumble strips (ex. it becomes more effective, it’s distracting)? Discuss.
  • Drivers have been seen slowing down to hear the music on the road. Do you think adding artistic or surprising elements can influence people’s behavior in public spaces? Why do you say so? What are some creative ways to encourage people to follow rules or change their habits (ex. colorful trash cans, funny signs)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • A road in the UAE plays Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” when cars drive over special rumble strips. What do you think about bringing art and music to unexpected places, like roads or public transport? Do you think this is an effective way to raise awareness of the importance of art? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Officials say the project aims to spread the art culture and bring music into normal lives. How could a society change if people brought art and music into their normal routines? Do you think art and music are important for a happy life and a strong society? Why or why not? Discuss.