In a pioneering move for the UAE and the wider Arab world, Fujairah has launched the region’s first “Musical Street”, a public art initiative that transforms a routine drive into a symphonic experience. The project, spearheaded by the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, reflects the emirate’s growing commitment to integrating art into everyday life and fostering cultural innovation.
A Musical Drive: Beethoven on the Road
Located along a 750-metre stretch of Sheikh Khalifa Street, at the entrance of Fujairah City, this unique road produces musical notes as cars drive over it, specifically the iconic melody from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The sound is not played through speakers; instead, it is generated by the friction between car tyres and specially engineered grooves on the asphalt. This innovation transforms a regular commute into an immersive musical moment, surprising and delighting motorists.
Artistic Vision: Blending Culture with Infrastructure
The Musical Street is one of several new initiatives by the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy to bring art into public spaces. It not only serves as a symbol of creativity but also embodies the broader vision of the emirate to infuse daily life with beauty, culture, and artistic expression.Ali Obaid Al Hefeiti, Director General of the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, described the project as a reflection of Fujairah’s forward-thinking cultural strategy. Speaking about the initiative, he stated:“The Musical Street project is an extension of Fujairah’s vision to integrate art into everyday life, offering a unique experience that touches people’s senses in unconventional settings. We believe that music is a universal language capable of creating exceptional moments, even while driving.”He further added:“The project connects art to life, embodying the Academy’s mission to spread beauty and creativity throughout the emirate, particularly within artistic fields.”
A First for the Arab World
This initiative marks the first time such a musical road has been constructed in the Arab world, positioning Fujairah as a regional leader in creative urban planning and experiential public art. While musical roads have been implemented in countries like Japan, South Korea, and the United States, Fujairah’s version stands out for its cultural significance and choice of classical music.The Musical Street aims not just to entertain but also to enhance driver awareness, add a sensory layer to road experiences, and reinforce the identity of Fujairah as a hub for the arts.
Fujairah’s Ongoing Cultural Expansion
The Fujairah Fine Arts Academy has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of traditional art presentation. Through innovative projects like this, the Academy hopes to inspire both residents and visitors to engage with art in unexpected ways, reinforcing the idea that culture and creativity belong not only in galleries, but also on streets, in everyday routines, and in community spaces.By launching the Musical Street, Fujairah has taken a bold step toward transforming its urban landscape with a blend of art, music, and daily function, setting a new standard for how cities in the region might weave culture into the fabric of daily life.
