ABU DHABI // A 400-metre public beach has opened on Saadiyat Island, it was announced this morning.
The stretch has been designed to appeal to trendy beachgoers and sun-worshippers, according to the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer.
Bake, a beach-operator company, has been appointed by TDIC to manage the beach, which will be open every day from 8am to 8pm, with lifeguards on duty.
Facilities on offer include lounge chairs, showers, lockers, changing rooms, towels, umbrellas and parking.
A snack lounge and a shop selling beachwear and sports equipment will be added later this year, TDIC said, along with eco-friendly water sports activities such as windsurfing and sailing
"We are excited to open Saadiyat Public Beach, which is designed to facilitate the needs of the island's residents, as well as guests from the wider Abu Dhabi community," said Ahmed Al Fahim, TDIC's executive director of marketing, communications, sales and leasing.
"The location, which is an ideal retreat from the busy, everyday life of the city, is unique to Abu Dhabi in terms of its tranquil beach atmosphere and stunning landscape, while being situated in proximity to Abu Dhabi's city centre."
The entire length of Saadiyat Island beach has at its fringe sand dunes that are protected from developments by a 60-metre buffer zone. This also applies to the public beach, which is located next to Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi.
The beach is also a natural nesting ground for hawksbill turtles, which come ashore between April and July to lay their eggs. They come ashore to nest at night and so will not be disturbed by daytime beachgoers.
The entrance fee is Dh25 for adults and Dh15 for children over the age of six. An annual membership costs from Dh500 for an adult and Dh1,000 for families. Sun loungers can be hired for Dh50 on weekdays and Dh75 at weekends.
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