Abu Dhabi: A dark blue flag was hoisted at Al Bateen Beach in the capital on Wednesday, indicating its excellent standards of health and safety to visitors.
The beach is the second in the emirate, as well as in the Middle East, to receive the internationally recognised Blue Flag Certification. The first beach to be recognised for its standards in the region was the Abu Dhabi Corniche in June 2011.
The 800-metre Al Bateen beach received the certification from the Emirates Wildlife Society, which is the national coordinator for the Foundation for Environmental Education’s international Blue Flag Programme.
“Being honoured with the Blue Flag means that we have ensured the cleanliness and safety of the waters, as well as the safety of visitors. It also means that we must conduct regular educational events and manage the environment sustainably,” Ali Al Ammari, acting manager of community services at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, told Gulf News.
To be awarded a Blue Flag, beaches must comply with 32 strict standards in water quality, health, safety and environment management and education. An awarded beach has a chance to renew its certification every season.
In Abu Dhabi, the bathing season lasts throughout the year. Therefore, the certification for Al Bateen Beach applies for the 2012-2013 bathing season, Al Ammari explained.
As part of the Blue Flag criteria, the water is will be monitored every 28 days for thee different types of bacteria. A small number of bacteria indicates that the water is very clean.
Al Bateen Beach itself was renovated and opened to the public in December 2011. Since then, an average of 30,000 to 32,000 residents have visited the beach each month, representatives from facilities management firm JBI Properties Services said. The firm is responsible for managing the beach, under the supervision of the municipality.
“The beach can accommodate about 15,000 visitors at a time, as well as 5,000 swimmers. It also has room for about 50,000 attendees when events are organised,” Al Ammari said.
The beach area is equipped with washrooms and changing rooms, and also houses some eating outlets. In addition, it is monitored by 19 security guards and 15 lifeguards.
A large number of families visit the beach on weekends, municipal officials said. In addition, August 2012 saw the largest volume of visitors at the beach since its reopening.
