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Kind-hearted Dubai residents rallied round to help each other as the power cut threatened the plunge the city's highways into chaos. Bystanders helped to direct traffic and caring motorists handed out water to policemen sweltering in the heat. Their efforts helped to ensure that the roads were safe even though traffic lights were not working. Among those who did their bit to keep things running smoothly was Hassan from Lebanon, who got out of his car and directed traffic on the Jumeirah Beach Road. The 33-year-old, who said the road was in "total chaos", helped to smooth the traffic flow for one-and-a-half hours. Later on, a UAE national and a Palestinian who were passing joined him to direct motorists. "It was complete mayhem so it was very important that someone took control of what was happening. The weather was very hot but I carried on anyhow," he said.  Asghar Kahn/GULF NEWS A good samaritan helps direct traffic in Dubai during the blackout |  |
An Indian driver said he was impressed to see a Pathan directing the traffic while wearing his traditional clothing. The Pakistani was preventing chaos at a major interchange of roads leading to Bur Dubai, Satwa, Karama and Port Rashid. "There was one man who took charge. People respected him. It was quite a wonderful thing. He didn't have to do what he was doing but I think he was enjoying himself and he was there for about two hours. "People held out bottles of cola or water for him, but he wouldn't take any," the Indian driver, who passed the site several times, told Gulf News. Many motorists went out of their way to ensure that those drafted in to traffic marshalling duties did not suffer unduly in the sweltering heat. Yusuf, a UAE national government employee, bought several boxes of mineral water bottles which he then handed out to policemen he came across who were without liquid refreshment.
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