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
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Name: Grubtech
Founders: Mohamed Al Fayed and Mohammed Hammedi
Launched: October 2019
Employees: 50
Financing stage: Seed round (raised $2 million)
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There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
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Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Timeline
2012-2015
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May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
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August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
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Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
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Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
