Today, it's a completely different story with stations catering to nearly every listener under the sun - from the die-hard fusion fan to the voracious news-hungry enthusiast.

And it seems like radio will remain the favoured - and fastest - medium for people in the Emirates to stay abreast on what's happening in their home countries, predicts Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of Dubai Radio Network (DRN). Speaking to Khaleej Times about the recent barrage of stations that were introduced by DRN in the last two months, Mr Al Sayegh said that DRN is not trying to monopolise the airwaves and is providing a choice in content for its listeners.

"I wouldn't say that we are trying to become a monopoly as every station has a right to be heard in Dubai. I do agree that we own nearly 75 per cent of the stations currently on air but each one is unique and different in terms of format, packaging and the target audience we are catering to," he said.

Mr Al Sayegh also shed some light on what actually propelled the government to re-vamp Dubai 92 FM and the strategy to commercialise it.

"There was nothing wrong with the station in terms of delivery, but it lacked a commercial touch and new initiatives and ideas were given a back seat," said Mr Al Sayegh.

"The fast paced format and packaging was missing and although most of the veteran voices on air had vast amount of experience behind them, they were not willing to update themselves to the current need. We don't blame anyone for this, of course, but the whole culture was affecting the station to a great extent."

One of the most recent stations to be introduced by DRN was Dubai Eye (103.8 FM), the region's only station to focus on the various events happening in the city , with only the interplay of fusion music in between. This was promised as a ' dynamic' station, but many  people said that  the live element remained missing with the station only airing pre-recorded pieces. Mr Al Sayegh conceded that the station would see a new look this coming September, which would be highly interactive in nature and which would work on the earlier format's strengths.

"Dubai Eye will see a dynamic new look from September onwards but works have already started to make it more interactive. Starting from next week onwards a series of competitions will be launched and we are also in talks with a major company which would allow listeners to gain pieces of information about the city via MMS and SMS," he said.

"This could be in the form of restaurant menus, hotel directions and theatre listings."

Taking over the reins of a flagging station and introducing several radio stations over a short period of time was 'exhausting' admitted Mr. Al Sayegh, "but, its a constant challenge for us and we thrive under such pressure. We will ensure that we will deliver to the listener what he wants and not something which we think he wants," he emphasised.

DRN might also extend its operations in other areas of the media such as the introduction of new radio stations, production companies, TV and perhaps even in the print medium.

Elaborated Mr Al Sayegh, "The sky's the limit for us and we might even extend our holding in different segments. What is essential to know is, however, how we can help make Dubai an international city in its own respect and deliver quality content programmes."