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Boat at Ras Al Khaimah roundabout set for a facelift

Ras Al Khaimah - The video has been shared widely on social media.

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An iconic boat that had been stationed for ages at a busy roundabout in Ras Al Khaimah is set to have a facelift.

A video on the ship being lifted by a crane has gone viral on social media, with people offering various explanations on what can be seen in the clip.

Mohammed Ibrahim, an Emirati national based in Ras Al Khaimah, told Khaleej Times that the old ship is a key landmark in the emirate.

"It has always stood tall and resilient to sweltering temperatures, heavy showers, and strong winds."

"But, it is now time for a facelift," said Abdullah Al Shamali, an Emirati from Al Rams area.

Eng Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director General of the RAK department of public works, said the boat is going to be installed back at the same roundabout.

"This traditional boat is one of the key landmarks widely representing the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah."

The ongoing facelift is part of the department efforts to preserve the emirate's heritage icons, he added.

"The department is to boost the sustainability of all our landmarks as per the latest and safest standards worldwide."

The roundabout, named after the ship, is one of the busiest in the emirate, he pointed out.

"Up to 20,000 vehicles cross the roundabout every day."

Ahmed Mustafa, an Egyptian resident, said he has long and loving memories of the boat.

"I still remember when I first arrived in the emirate in 2005 and saw this traditional boat."

Esraa Mohammed, a Syrian HR admin, said she first thought that the iconic boat was going be removed and replaced with something else.

"I really breathed a sigh of relief when I discovered that it was only a facelift."

"It's good to preserve such traditional landmarks and add tell some details about each and every one of them so that new generations learn about their history."

ahmedshanaban@khaleejtimes.com

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• Ras Al Khaimah