Ladies-only beaches in the UAE, from Dubai's Al Mamzar to Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen

More dedicated spaces for women are set to open later this year

Al Bateen Ladies Club by Matcha in Abu Dhabi offers a private stretch of beach, plus a pool and other facilities for ladies-only. Leslie Pableo for The National

Dubai is set to get a new women-only beach this year. Announced on Sunday as part of the second phase of the Dh400 million redevelopment of Al Mamzar Beach, the attraction will include a gated area where women will also be able to enjoy night swimming.

Spread across 125,000 square metres, Al Mamzar Beach is one of the city's most popular family destinations. It already offers dedicated women-only days, on Mondays and Wednesdays, where an all-female staff are on hand to ensure visitors enjoy their privacy to the fullest.

Once the redevelopment is completed, female visitors will have access to their own dedicated beach on all days of the week, as well as their own sports club and children's play areas.

Ahead of the planned completion at the end of this year, here are other ladies-only beaches in the UAE.

Al Bateen Ladies Club by Matcha

Perched on the shores of Al Bateen beach that overlooks Hudayriyat Island, the ladies-only club is home to wellness-centric activities and classes, including Pilates and yoga, as well as Matcha Club, the boutique padel and community venue from Dubai. Spread across 34,000 square metres, other amenities include a shaded infinity pool, private beach, spa and an on-site restaurant.

The venue also features a dedicated children's play area, complete with outdoor amenities such as swings, slides and monkey bars, as well as an indoor playground for the summer months.

Open daily from 7am until 4pm; day passes start at Dh150; Qasr Al Shatie, Abu Dhabi; 054 995 5036

Sharjah Ladies Club

Founded in 1982, Sharjah Ladies Club is one of the oldest spaces of its kind in the country, offering everything from fitness and beauty treatments to food and event spaces. Visitors and members have access to a ladies-only private beach, which also features a number of water sports activities, such as paddle boarding and kayaking, as well as other activities for mothers and children. The venue also includes Sharjah's largest ice-skating rink.

Open daily from 7.30am to 10pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 9am to 9pm on Fridays; day passes start at Dh150; Corniche St, Sharjah; 050 285 1747

Dubai Ladies Club

Located on the Jumeirah coastline, Dubai Ladies Club offers facilities such as spas and fitness centres to restaurants and event spaces. All members and visitors can access the club's private, ladies-only beach, which also features jogging tracks, several sport courts and a swimming pool.

Open daily from 7am to 10pm; day passes start at Dh195 on weekdays and Dh260 on weekends; Jumeirah 2, Dubai; 04 349 9922

Ladies-only beach days

Al Mamzar Beach

Mondays and Wednesdays are for ladies only at this public beach, with boys up to the age of six permitted. The seaside spot has many grassy areas for picnics and barbecues, as well as offering rentable air-conditioned chalets for the hotter months.

Open daily from 8am to 10pm, with extended evening hours over the weekend; entry costs Dh5 per person; chalets start at Dh150 for up to 8 people; Al Mamzar, Dubai; 04 296 6201

Kai Beach

Every Friday, this licensed oceanfront oasis on Saadiyat Island is reserved for ladies only. The venue channels boho vibes with macrame parasols, wooden sunloungers and driftwood-crafted tables, and women can enjoy the perfect beachside break in privacy, whether catching the sunrise or watching the spectacular sunset along the 500-metre stretch.

Open daily from 7am until sunset; Dh150 for a day pass; cabanas are priced at Dh330 for two adults and two children; Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; 050 283 5795