Watch: Abu Dhabi opens UAE's first beach area for visually impaired
Abu Dhabi: A new chapter in inclusive public spaces was written this week as Abu Dhabi officially opened the UAE's first dedicated beach area for the visually impaired and their families.
Located on the Corniche near Gate 3, the 1,000-square-metre space has been specially designed to offer a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment for a cherished segment of the community.
The initiative, led by Abu Dhabi City Municipality in collaboration with the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, is a landmark achievement inspired by the announcement of 2025 as the Year of the Community by the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Fully equipped with security features, accessibility tools, and recreational amenities, the beach aims to create an inclusive space that encourages social integration and empowers individuals with visual impairments. It also reflects the government's broader commitment to fostering a cohesive society built on equality, dignity, and shared responsibility.
International recognition
Reinforcing Abu Dhabi's reputation for world-class infrastructure, the beach has been recognised by the World Disability Union with a "Disability-Friendly Beach" award—underscoring its adherence to global standards for accessibility and inclusion.
The beach will be open from 6am until midnight, with swimming allowed from 6am until sunset.
Regarding safety and security measures, the Municipality emphasised that the beach area has been specially designed to cater to the needs of visually impaired visitors, offering a safe, independent swimming experience that does not require external assistance, all while maintaining the highest safety standards. In addition, first aid services will be available on-site throughout operating hours, provided by a licensed nurse.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Dubai Eye
a day ago
- Dubai Eye
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan attends 34th Joint Command and Staff Course graduation ceremony
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Thursday attended the graduation ceremony of the 34th Joint Command and Staff Course at the Joint Command and Staff College in Abu Dhabi. His Highness honoured outstanding officers, wishing them success in their military careers and also presented awards and certificates to the graduates. His Highness also took commemorative photos with the graduates and college leadership, expressing his appreciation for the Joint Command and Staff College and pride in the achievements of the graduates. The graduation ceremony was also attended by Staff Lieutenant General Issa bin Ablan Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, along with senior officials of the Armed Forces and and military attachés from participating countries. Staff Brigadier General Saeed Salmeen Al Alawi, Commandant of the Joint Command and Staff College, welcomed attendees and congratulated the graduates, highlighting their readiness for future leadership roles. He also emphasised the College's vital role in developing military leaders equipped to navigate evolving regional and global challenges.
ARN News Center
2 days ago
- ARN News Center
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan attends 34th Joint Command and Staff Course graduation ceremony
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Thursday attended the graduation ceremony of the 34th Joint Command and Staff Course at the Joint Command and Staff College in Abu Dhabi. His Highness honoured outstanding officers, wishing them success in their military careers and also presented awards and certificates to the graduates. His Highness also took commemorative photos with the graduates and college leadership, expressing his appreciation for the Joint Command and Staff College and pride in the achievements of the graduates. The graduation ceremony was also attended by Staff Lieutenant General Issa bin Ablan Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces; Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, along with senior officials of the Armed Forces and and military attachés from participating countries. Staff Brigadier General Saeed Salmeen Al Alawi, Commandant of the Joint Command and Staff College, welcomed attendees and congratulated the graduates, highlighting their readiness for future leadership roles. He also emphasised the College's vital role in developing military leaders equipped to navigate evolving regional and global challenges.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
Salem Al Qasimi attends SEA's graduation ceremony
Sheikh Salem Bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office, attended the third graduation ceremony of the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) on Sunday. The event took place at the University City Hall in Sharjah. Following the rendition of the UAE national anthem, Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Academy, delivered a speech in which she expressed deep gratitude to His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his continued support of the Academy since its establishment. Dr Al Hashimi thanked Sheikh Salem for honouring the graduates. She congratulated the graduates and their families, wishing them success. She praised Sharjah's impressive achievements in education, noting the ongoing support from the Ruler of Sharjah, and emphasised that this graduating class is part of a bigger vision for excellence in education. The Academy graduated 313 individuals from different academic programmes, including teachers, school leaders, and early childhood specialists. This included 145 graduates from the third group of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education, 74 from the second group of the Master of Education in Educational Leadership, 28 from the first group of the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership, and 66 from the second group of the Certificate in Early Childhood Education. Among them, 28 graduates participated in the 'I Am Proud to Be a Teacher' programme. Dr Al Hashimi ended her speech with a warm message to the graduates, highlighting their role as ambassadors of excellence and supporters of meaningful education. She encouraged them to promote Sharjah's vision for quality education with dedication, passion, and a commitment to lifelong learning. She urged them to take on their responsibilities as decision-makers and innovators, helping to shape the future of education in line with Sharjah's forward-thinking approach. For her part, Pauline Taylor-Guy, Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, delivered a speech in which she congratulated the graduates, highlighting the Academy's role in preparing educators. She said, 'Today, we celebrate a group of passionate educators and leaders who have demonstrated great determination, dedication, and resilience throughout their academic journey. Your graduation marks not just the end of a study programme, but the beginning of a new chapter in your professional lives. You are changemakers, inspiring role models, and the future of education. You have chosen a noble path that requires a clear vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment.' Taylor added, referring to the Sharjah Education Academy's vision for teaching, preparing, and developing professional teachers, 'The Academy's vision is based on developing teachers and educational experts through diverse and innovative academic and professional programmes, grounded in scientific research. We have taken significant steps toward transforming the educational landscape.' Through our accredited diploma and master's programmes, strategic global partnerships, and research-driven initiatives, we have empowered hundreds of educators to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead classrooms and educational institutions. Maryam Al Balushi, a graduate of the Master of Education in Educational Leadership programme, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates, expressing their joy at completing their studies and graduating. She said, 'Today, we carry in our hearts the joy of accomplishment, in our eyes a passion for the future, and in our souls a noble mission that we have chosen to carry with pride. 'We have honed our expertise at the Sharjah Education Academy with knowledge, methodology, and modern visions, enabling us to return to our educational fields more empowered and contribute to building an educational community with solid foundations that elevates the status of teachers and raises the standards of students.' Al Balushi added, noting the Sharjah Education Academy's significant efforts in advancing the mission of teachers and education, 'We have learned at the Sharjah Education Academy that teaching is not just a profession, but rather a mission that begins with planting hope and ends with empowering generations.' WAM
