Abu Dhabi opens beach for people with visual impairments

Leisure spot in the Corniche features signs in Braille and guided paths

A child uses the beach designed for people with visual impairments on Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Photo: Abu Dhabi City Municipality

Abu Dhabi has opened a beach designed for people with visual impairments as part of a major government drive to broaden access to public spaces and champion inclusivity.

Abu Dhabi City Municipality joined forces with the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination to develop the 1,000-square-metre beach, near the Gate 3 area of the Corniche.

Authorities on Friday said the beach had been “designated exclusively for the visually impaired, offering a safe and enjoyable environment with comprehensive security, safety and entertainment facilities”.

The beach – which is free of charge for visually impaired visitors and one guest – includes a variety of facilities set up to cater to the needs of people with visual impairments, allowing them to enjoy a day out at the beach while maintaining their independence.

Boosting beach access

Children enjoy a day at the newly opened beach in Abu Dhabi's Corniche. Photo: Photo: Abu Dhabi City Municipality

Abu Dhabi City Municipality has ensured that the designated swimming and leisure area on the Corniche provides services designed specifically for the visually impaired. These include:

• A dedicated vehicle service for people of determination to facilitate transport to the beach.

• Paved guidance paths with specialised tactile tiles extending along the walkway.

• An instructional Braille signboard detailing the proper use of the swimming area.

• A fenced path equipped with a guiding rope and alert bells at both ends emitting sound cues to direct users to the swimming area.

• A designated swimming zone supervised by a trained lifeguard to ensure safety.

• A Braille service guide providing comprehensive details to ensure a seamless experience for visually impaired visitors of all ages.

The leisure space also features accessible walkways for people with disabilities and the elderly, dedicated restrooms for those with disabilities, floating wheelchairs designed for access to the waters, complementary drinking water stations, free transport services for people with disabilities and senior citizens and designated parking spaces.

The beach is open from 6am until midnight each day, with swimming permitted from 6am until sunset.

A licensed nurse is also available on-site throughout the beach’s operating hours to provide first aid assistance, if required.

Inclusivity drive

In December 2023, the Department of Municipalities and Transport teamed up with Mubadala, the emirate's strategic investment arm, to put in place remote control-operated ramps that allow people with disabilities to enjoy the waters independently.

Solar-powered tracks – designed by Greek company Seatrac – are fitted with a chair that transports users from the sand to the sea. Beach-goers can use the rails of the ramp to lower themselves into the sea and to lift themselves back into the chair.

The Seatrac system will be launched at Corniche Public Beach, Corniche Family Beach, Corniche Sahil Beach, Al Bateen Public Beach and Al Bateen Ladies' Beach.