ABU DHABI // Women and children took advantage of a trial period for Al Bateen’s new ladies’ beach on Friday for a swim and a chance to catch some sun without worrying about the presence of men.

But many visitors said that they were uncomfortable with immodest bathing suits worn by some beachgoers.

A K, 25, said she had been eagerly awaiting the opening and “couldn’t believe there was finally a women’s beach”.

She said: “I had to come today to see with my own eyes. My sisters and cousins have been waiting for such a beach for years.”

The Emirati said she had recently visited a doctor who told her that her vitamin D levels were down and she needed exposure to sunlight at least three times a week.

“I live close by and now I can actually come to this beach and not worry about my health,” she said.

“Many women also suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and I’m sure they will appreciate the beach and sunlight.”

Although she was generally pleased with the beach and its facilities, she said she did not feel comfortable without her mobile phone, which was taken at the gate for privacy reasons.

“I don’t understand why they have to confiscate them,” she said. “We are entitled to memories, by picture or videos. I understand there is a security reason behind it but surely there should be another way.

An Emirati woman who took her children and grandchildren to the beach said she was happy with the new facility, opened by Abu Dhabi Municipality on Thursday.

“I love the beach, and so do my children,” she said. “We grew up by the water and now my children have the chance to enjoy it.

“Now I can bring my daughters to enjoy and swim freely. I want to come every day.”

She said her entire family was at the beach, with the girls with her in the ladies’ section, and the men and boys in the other area.

The beach includes lockers, showers, a number of open wooden cabins with couches, a few swings, a playground, umbrellas and food kiosks.

Visitors pay Dh25 to enter, and Dh5 for children aged 3 to 12. Boys above the age of 6 are not permitted.

Electronic devices with cameras, animals, fishing and camping are also prohibited.

Some Arab women said they were “shocked and appalled” by the bikinis worn by some of the visitors.

“There is extreme nudity here and this is an Islamic country. We [her group] are all Muslims, and this is indecency,” said Khadija Ahmed, from Syria.

“Many families are likely to come over here. It is not right for some women to wear such things that don’t cover their bodies.”

Ms Ahmed also said the entry fee of Dh25 was too high.

“There aren’t many toilets or showers, and many of the visitors come with children. A normal family would be more than five members, and that is a lot of money for such facilities.”

Ms Ahmed’s Yemeni friend H A, suggested women on the beach should wear shorts instead of a two-piece swimsuit.

“I am very uncomfortable here. This is indecent,” she said.

Fayha’a Mashooh, an Emirati, said she was excited to show her children a good time at the beach but was shocked with the other women’s clothing.

“I used to take my children to Al Sila [in the Western Region] every now and then for the beach there,” Ms Mashooh said.

“I’d rather go all the way to Al Sila, which is almost three hours from here, than come to see such indecency and disrespect.

“I don’t want my children to see this. My seven-year-old daughter is more covered than half the women here.”

The beach is open daily from 10am to 10pm, with swimming permitted until sunset for safety reasons.

aalkhoori@thenational.ae