Coronavirus: Some Abu Dhabi public parks and beaches reopen

Safety measures will be implemented to ensure visitors are kept safe

No entry signs at Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi in April. Public beaches and parks were closed in March to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National 

Select public beaches and parks reopened in Abu Dhabi from Friday.

The beaches and parks across the emirate were closed in March to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

On Thursday, officials said anyone wishing to visit a public park or beach would have to make a booking in advance through Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport SmartHub.

On Friday, the office confirmed visitors would not have to present a negative Covid-19 test result on Al Hosn, a government smartphone application.

Masks and gloves will be mandatory and people will have their temperatures checked before entering the beach or park. No showers will be available at public beaches.

Groups of no more than four are allowed to visit and facilities will be capped at 40 per cent capacity.

Food and beverage outlets will operate at 30 per cent seating capacity, with a maximum of four people per table and a minimum of 2.5m between tables. Play areas will be closed and parking will be restricted to 50 per cent capacity.

All visitors must maintain at least 2 metres distance from each other.

Areas will be marked out on the ground to ensure social distancing is maintained.

Individual loungers will be spaced in rows at a minimum of 2.5m intervals and couples’ loungers will be placed in pairs with a minimum of 1m between at a minimum of 2.5m intervals.

Those found not adhering to these rules will be fined.

Facilities will be frequently sanitised by municipality workers to ensure the safety of visitors.

The parks set to reopen on Friday include: Umm Al Emarat, Khalifa Park, Al Sulaimi Park in Al Ain and Madinat Zayed Public Park in Al Dhafra.

The beaches include: Corniche Beach, Al Hudayriat and Al Marfa in Al Dhafra.

On Thursday, the municipality said this was the first stage of reopening all public facilities in the emirate.

Park managers said they had been preparing for reopening by disinfecting their amenities.

“We have been working tirelessly in preparation for the reopening as the safety and health of our visitors and employees remains our top priority. We are co-ordinating with the relevant government entities to ensure that the highest standards of safety and precautionary measures are met,” said Rasha Kablawi, head of Umm Al Emarat Park’s corporate affairs and communications department.

“Parks have proven themselves to be vital to health and well-being, particularly in urban environments, and even more so in times like these. We look forward to seeing families and friends come together again to learn, explore, have fun and dine.”