Reopening responsibly: Dubai's ladies-only beach, club opens with strict safety measures in place

Dubai - The reopening move comes as Dubai eased restrictions on movement and encouraged businesses to resume operations last week.

The lone ladies-only beach in Dubai reopened its doors to visitors and club members on Tuesday, with strict safety and precautionary measures in place.
The Dubai Ladies Club (DLC) announced the resumption of its activities at the club, including its ladies-only beach, and also opened its newly enhanced and modernised fitness centre. The club had closed its doors to the public on March 16 in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In line with official directives and sterilisation protocols, DLC stated on its website that it has implemented intensive precautionary measures to ensure public safety at all times.
The reopening move comes as Dubai eased restrictions on movement and encouraged businesses to resume operations last week. The precautionary steps taken by DLC include reducing its entry capacity to 50 per cent to avoid crowds.
Prior booking is required to make use of DLC facilities, which for now only include the ladies-only beach and the newly equipped fitness centre.
Rules to follow
All individuals entering DLC will undergo mandatory temperature checks. Social distancing rules are in place that allow only five people per group on the beach and in the water (2m distance between individuals, 4m distance between groups and 2m distance between each sun bed). Face masks must be worn on the beach but are not necessary inside the water. Besides, shower areas and changing rooms are not open and contactless payment is encouraged. One must bring one's own towel to the beach.
DLC pointed out that people over the age of 60 and children below the age of 12 will not be allowed to enter the club for their safety.
Other procedures undertaken at the club include increased frequency of sanitisation of all facilities/equipment, increased number of contactless sanitisation dispensers as well as educating staff on Covid-19 safety measures and protocols to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.
DLC also said that all equipment at its facilities are sanitised daily using approved methods and the process is repeated at the end of the day too. The club routinely offers virtual fitness classes, advice on how to boost one's immunity, and tips on how to care for mental health through live social media sessions held by life coaches, trainers, and nutritionists.
Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Ladies Club, highlighted that the resumption of various activities and the return of employees to workplaces is testament to the UAE's efficient handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
saman@khaleejtimes.com