Venomous spider sighted in Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Gardens

Al Raha Gardens community management posted a warning that the Redback spider is 'very dangerous' and told residents if they are bitten they should immediately head to nearby government hospitals for treatment.

ABU DHABI // Residents of Al Raha Gardens in Abu Dhabi have been warned that a species of venomous spider has been sighted in the gated community.

Al Raha Gardens community management posted a warning that the redback spider was “very dangerous” and told residents if they were bitten they should immediately head to nearby government hospitals for treatment.

Management has increased the frequency of inspections and pest-control treatment of the communal areas.

A warning on a community noticeboard read: “It has been brought to our attention that a Redback spider was spotted on one of the residential communities.”

“I have seen posts about it on Saturday and learnt that a couple of people have noticed the redback spider in their gardens,” said Australian Kellie Curtain, who lives in Al Raha Gardens. She said she had not heard of anyone being bitten.

“I have seen such spiders back home in Australia, but I’m surprised to know they are found here,” she said.

Redback spiders are indigenous to Australia.

“It’s dangerous so I will take precautions while my kids are out to play,” Ms Curtain said.

The management said that redback spiders were very dangerous should a bite be left untreated, so timely and proper treatment was needed if bitten.

“Our aim is to ensure the safety and comfort of all our residents within the community,” management said.

It also requested residents to report sightings or incidents to customer service on 800 Khidmah (800 5443624) or to send an email to [e-mail].