Wednesday, Jun 11, 2014
Abu Dhabi: From Thursday onwards, hundreds of women who have long been waiting for a secluded beach in the capital can visit the dedicated ladies-only section at Al Bateen Beach, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City said on Wednesday.
The facility can accommodate up to 1,100 women and children in its waters, while nearly 5,000 visitors can relax on the seashore.
Khalaf Al Nakkas, head of beaches at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, said the Ladies Beach will add to the world-class recreational locations in the city, including the popular Corniche Beach and Al Bateen Beach.
“Preparations are in full swing and all formalities have been completed for its opening,” Al Nakkas said.
The shoreline features benches, cabins, snack outlets, a cinema, a children’s playground, as well as areas for water sports and yoga.
“Expert female lifeguards have also been deployed to ensure the safety of visitors,” the official said.
In order to guard the privacy of female beachgoers, cameras cannot be used in the area and only boys below the age of six are allowed entry.
“We have also set up a high fence all around the beach, and a barrier has been erected on the seafront as well to prevent people looking in,” Al Nakkas explained.
While the beach is open from 10am to 10pm, swimming is only permitted until sunset. Officials were, however, not available to comment on whether any entry fees apply.
Female residents were overjoyed to hear about the new facility, saying that they sorely missed a ladies-only spot during the summer.
“In previous summers, my friends and I have actually driven all the way to Dubai because one of the clubs there includes a ladies’ beach. So it is lovely to hear that we can enjoy those facilities close to home now,” Meera Al Mutawa, a 23-year-old Emirati resident, told Gulf News.
Meera also said that she would be willing to pay an entry fee as long as the funds are used to maintain the beach and its facilities.
“It would also be nice if the area included a prayer room, spa and indoor restaurants, where we can get some respite from the heat,” she added.
Hiba Berrekia, a 28-year-old Algerian-Canadian media executive, said she remembers the old ladies’ beach in Abu Dhabi that used to be located past the Corniche.
“My mum is veiled, so we really used to love the privacy at the ladies’ beach, and would go there every two weeks or so,” she said.
Berrekia added that she would probably begin frequenting the new beach once temperatures go down.
By Samihah Zaman Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2014. All rights reserved.
