Dubai: Shop-owners are happy now that Al Rigga road in Deira, which was partially closed for work on the Metro, has finally opened after two years.
They said that business suffered due to the closure. The road opened to motorists recently, but two middle lanes still remain blocked because of machinery and building materials which are temporarily housed there.
Previously, the view from many shops and restaurants was blocked because high metal barricades were placed in front of them to protect them from being damaged. But some of these barriers have still not been removed.
"Our profits dropped by 80 percent during the construction period. But we are slowly recovering from the loss. We are looking forward to the completion of railway project as it will bring more customers in this area because a subway station will be situated here," said Mohammad Islam, the cashier of a snack shop.
Adnan Fauzi, a salesman of a boutique shop, said: "It used to get quite dusty and hot when the construction work was in progress. Many parking spaces were also blocked and this hindered people from visiting the street. Now even the weather is changing so I hope more people will come and thus our revenue, which will increase. But I don't think many motorists are aware that the road has been opened."
"When this road was closed, the taxi drivers used to drop me far away from where I work. Sometimes workers used to make the road into a one-way. But now the taxi drops me right in front of my cafe," said Melanie Juan.
"More people will come to our shop when the barriers will be removed and the parking places will be opened," she said.
"Driving was not easy at all. Sometimes it used to be dusty. Many times I couldn't go to the mosque I preferred praying at. Hopefully, the Metro system will bring more benefit to the customers and shop owners than the inconvenience it has caused," said Mohammad Laouyly, an investor on Al Rigga road.
