Abu Dhabi: The ladies-only beach that has opened in Al Bateen has become an instant hit with women in Abu Dhabi.
Since it opened last weekend, hundreds of women and children are thronging the beach to enjoy a dip in the sea without attracting annoying attention from men.
The secluded beach cordoned off by fences on all four sides allows women to wear comfortable beachwear without being gawked at.
“My husband would never allow me to enjoy the waters when we used go to the Corniche beach because of the presence of men there. Here I am free to wear whatever I want and swim with my kids,” said Umm Ahmad, an Emirati mother of four.
Lebanese henna artist Layal Hammad, 23, said she has even got a brand new bikini to wear at the beach. “I used to never feel comfortable wearing a skimpy bikini at a public beach. The ladies-only beach is a great relief for girls like us who want to sun-bathe,” said Hammad.
The beach, open from 10am to 10pm, is also a great family destination as it has an open playground, a few swings and slides, food kiosks, private cabanas and beach umbrellas. The place also has lockers, toilets and wooden cabins for changing clothes. Swimming is permitted only till sunset.
The facility can accommodate 5,000 visitors and 1,100 swimmers. An entrance fee of Dh25 is applicable. Children between ages of three and 12 pay Dh5. Boys above the age of six are not allowed.
But many women who spoke with XPRESS expressed their displeasure at the blanket ban on cameras on the beach. A sign at the entrance to the beach says all electronic devices including mobile phones with cameras are not allowed.
“It is unfair not to allow mobile phones in the beach. It is a ladies beach and I do not understand why we would voyeur on other women.” said Marwa, an Egyptian woman working for a real estate firm.
Her friend Sabah said it is inconvenient when they cannot be reached by friends or family when at the beach. “We may want to stay in touch with friends and family while at the beach. The ban on mobile phones should be reviewed,” said Sabah.
She added many visitors would like to capture fun moments and post them on social media. “I am a Facebook addict, and I feel sad I cannot take these beach pictures for my Facebook.”
