UAE -  With the go ahead from the Dubai Municipality to reopen beaches and parks, residents and citizens heaved a sigh of relief as many said they had not stepped out for months while adhering to the UAE's stay-at-home policy.

As movement restrictions in Dubai eased from Wednesday with the stay home order reduced to 11pm to 6am, the municipality announced the reopening of public beaches and parks late on Thursday evening. These include JBR, Al Mamzar, Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim beaches, as well as major parks and the Dubai Frame.

Excited to practise yoga at the beach, yoga teacher Aparna Ghildiyal said: "I've missed the beach. I'm excited to be finally able to practise yoga with the sound of the waves. Most of my yoga practice in the past three months was done indoors, with a laptop and Internet. I'm looking forward to meditating by the sea. Even if I have to wear a mask for this - that's fine. I also plan to sanitise my yoga mat after every visit."

Along with the announcement of reopening the beaches, the DM has cautioned people to strictly adhere to the public safety measures and guidelines. Unlike strict restrictions for children and senior citizens at malls, beaches and parks are open for children under the age of 12 and adults above 60.

Pakistani expat Sumera Azim said although she loved being outdoors, she had given up going for her leisure walks because of the Covid-19 crisis. The news of reopening beaches and parks, she said, lifted her mood.

Craving to go out since the lockdown was announced, Najaf Ali said he struggled to stay indoors for almost two months. "I am glad that now we have an opportunity to spend time outdoors in the parks and at the beaches. But I will be a responsible resident and will not take my health and that of others for granted.

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