In the capital of the UAE — let us remind you that it is considered the emirate of Abu Dhabi — the beaches were closed to tourists, leaving them without the main entertainment. As explained in the local press, the ban was introduced on the use of most of the beaches within the city, that is the beaches at the main hotels. The reason given was the need to test the water — there is a suspicion that its quality has decreased after recent rainfalls and floods.
According to official data, water is now being collected for analysis to ensure that the condition of the water meets sanitary standards. Note that Abu Dhabi is located on islands and most of the “city” beaches are in a “channel”.
As an alternative, tourists were offered the beaches of Saadiyat Island, facing directly onto the bay, where there is less risk of pollution. However, the island’s most famous beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, has a fee. A visit to it will cost 50 dirhams for adults and 25 dirhams for children. But free transfers from hotels have been announced. Other beaches on the island are also open, such as Kai Beach and Saadiyat Beach Club. The beaches of Yas Island are also open — Yas Beach and Cyan Beach.