Dubai: One of Dubai's landmark restaurants - the Hard Rock Cafe - may be facing closure or even demolition, Gulf News has learnt.
The Cafe located on Shaikh Zayed Road near Dubai Media City, was established in December 1997 and is one of the oldest in the city. It is remembered by residents as the point marking the 'end' of Dubai, before the construction of Dubai Marina and other new Dubai developments.
Hard Rock Cafe management has confirmed that the land it occupies has been sold for the development of a "high-rise" project.
However, it would neither confirm nor deny that the Cafe is to be demolished. A statement released yesterday said: "Despite an existing lease, the land that Hard Rock currently occupies has been sold by our landlord to develop a high-rise project. Although the land has been sold where we are located, it is still business as usual at the Cafe. As of today we have no plans to close."
The statement did not divulge any more details.
S.A., a Dubai media worker who had her birthday celebration at the Cafe last month, said: "The Hard Rock Cafe always has a really good atmosphere and it's right in the hub of Media City and DIC. It's in a really convenient location to visit at anytime, for lunch or at other times for get-togethers. The best things about it are its atmosphere, and it's easy to get to because of its location on Shaikh Zayed Road. It will be a real shame if it closes down."
Hard Rock Cafe is one of the 126 outlets in the region and a Hard Rock Hotel - to be built in partnership by Hard Rock International and Tasameem - is slated to open in Dubai in 2011.
A group has been established on social networking site Facebook, entitled 'Save the Hard Rock Cafe Dubai'.
Its homepage displays some of the comments from its 6,000 group members and also states that the land has been sold to a property developer.
The adjacent Palm Hotel may also be facing closure. Management at the neighbouring hotel could not confirm that it will be closing on June 1, but will be releasing a statement in early April.
Your comments
I think as it is an Islamic country, Dubai should close all the bars and discos.
Meraj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 13:15
I don't see any problems with shifting the place. This is the country's land and they have the right to do as they please. As for the people talking about they don't like the changes going on, what about when the Hard Rock Cafe first opened up? Don't you think that was a big change for a Muslim country? They aren't shutting it down, they are just reallocating it. Live with it people, it's no big deal!
Jeff
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 13:01
Please save Hard Rock ... it's an iconic establishment which shouldn't be destroyed. I mean, removing it from the 'Hard Rock' map of the world would be such a shame.
Lees
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 12:58
The Hard Rock Cafe should be moved to another place (it is remembered by residents as the point marking the 'end' of Dubai). That is where Hard Rock should be.
Tam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 12:54
Enough with our memories being demolished away with Dubai's fast changing development. It's a pity, most of the places where we had great memories have disappeared, and now the last thing left is also going away. That is sad! I wish I could do something to save the Hard Rock Cafe.
Alaa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 11:40
Not only should this place be demolished, but so should all other similar places which have no link to our Arabic and Islamic rules and cultures. I wish all such places will be soon removed from all emirates forever.
Hana
AD,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 11:32
Good memories cannot be bought. Time that has passed cannot be regained. Hard Rock should stay.
Larry
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 10:40
Is it only me or does anybody else hate the way Dubai is changing. Those high rises, JBR, Marina buildings etc ... are simply horrible. It's a pity to destroy one more of only the few nice things left.
Tony
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 10:20
This cannot be true. This place has seen some of my very good memories. Please, please, please, do not close it down. It is indeed one of the most recognised landmarks of Dubai.
Caroline
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 07:46
They should shift it to some place where it can be reached easily.
Swaroop
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 05:42
The opening night of the Hard Rock Cafe was one I shall never forget. The 'old rocker' Chuck Berry, then a sprightly 72-year-old, took to the stage and set us all alight with his special brand of music. It was almost certainly one of the highlights of living in Dubai for 25 years. The atmosphere in this special venue will be sadly missed, if these rumours are true. Long live the Hard Rock Cafe.
Sue
Hanover,Germany
Posted: March 31, 2008, 04:28
It is really a shame to see all these good old landmarks being thrown away to developers and their money. Enough is enough. I understand about future developments, but when you start demolishing things which have a memory in the community, then this is not right.
Mike
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 31, 2008, 02:40
