We all know the two most hyped FM radio stations in town—100.5 and 104.8—but what’s out there for those of us who are immune to Top 40 MOR? Check out these lesser-known but still excellent English language stations in the capital – these are the best on offer.

1. 103.2 The Coast. Plenty of residents have stumbled across this obscure station broadcasting a nice range of popular music, news, and weather from Fujairah. Surprisingly, the reception can be quite good despite the distance, and the Irish DJs alone are worth tuning in.

2. 90.3 BBC World Service. If you’re really not into the pop stations, you might enjoy getting your fix of English-language but internationally oriented news and reporting from 9am to 6pm each day. Informative and authoritative, though programmes are repeated a bit too frequently and the constant station idents can get on your nerves.

3. 106 Radio Two. The same folks who bring us Radio One on 100.5 are also happy to gear it down a notch with this version of their idea of “classic rock”. Listener beware, though—you’ll be amazed to find out exactly how old you are when songs you thought were “modern” end up on the “oldies” station. The playlist sometimes seems very short, too.

4. 91.6 Abu Dhabi Classic FM. Looking to really wind down? This station that plays classical music from Beethoven to Bach and beyond is addictive. Switch to this frequency when you’re stuck in downtown traffic, and you’ll feel your rage ebb away with each rising aria. In Al Ain it transmits on 105.2.

5. 97.3 The Mystery Station. Perhaps the best music station in town, this one seems to operate without the distraction of DJs, contests, news, weather, or even commercials. We don’t know how they do it or why, but we love them—especially since 97.3 comes in loud and clear when all the others have faded to static.

Disagree with our choice? Anything to add? Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it