63% oppose beach segregation plan

SAND DEBATE: Our poll shows people are not in favour of beach segregation. (Getty Images)

Plans to segregate a new beach in Abu Dhabi have not been supported by people taking part in an Arabian Business poll.

More than 63 percent oppose the proposal with the majority of these (36 percent) saying beach patrols should be introduced instead to monitor behaviour on the beach.

It was reported on Tuesday that Abu Dhabi’s new $28.5 million beach will be divided into two separate areas following complaints from families about groups of single men congregating there.

The beach, which has only been open for a week, will be divided into an area for families and women and another for single males by the end of the week.

But the plan has only won support from 27 percent of people responding to our online poll with just under another 10 percent suggesting the segregation should happen but only during certain hours of the day.

Twenty-seven percent of respondents were adamant that everyone should be able to go where they like when they visit the beach.

Details on how the 2km beach on the Corniche will be separated and the rules enforced are still under discussion.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Do u think ur children are safe on Family days?
Posted by Ahmed, Dubai, UAE on Saturday 26 July 2008 at 09:48 UAE time

You're in a fools paradise if you think that your children are safe on Family days!!

If you think that your under teen sons are safe on the men's side think again!!

The UAE rules that make it difficult for men and women to have their families with them go on to build frustrated men and women.

A frustrated and desperate society is never going to be a healthy place.

How many walls will you build?

AD beach segregation
Posted by Shahla Mohd, Sharjah, UAE on Monday 21 July 2008 at 08:40 UAE time

To dear expatriate lady, I really feel uncomfortable when I sense some one is watching me. Mostly bachelors come in groups which makes the ordeal worse.
As you suggested my daughters do not even see the stares since they are busy playing but I am worried as hell, if I go out with them when my husband is not free to come with us. Maybe our culture is different from yours. Please check the recent article that Malaysia may also follow ladies only beaches. So there are other countries interested.

I just thought at least on one day we can enjoy the beauty of nature with out fear and discomfort. I am sure 90% of mothers and ladies will agree with me. I sincerely wish Abu Dhabi Govt takes this bold and laudable step.

beach segregation
Posted by expat lady, Abu Dhabi on Sunday 20 July 2008 at 15:52 UAE time

The 'bachelors' will stare - there is no escaping that, but mainly they stare and the scantily clad women who, in my honest opinion, deserve to be stared at if they dress scantily in this country.
So, do we have this lovely new beach and then fence it off and build barricades to keep out the very people who built it.
Surely they should be free to use the facilities as well
let us also not confuse the 'expats' and the 'bachelors'

Who are we trying to segregate and who are we trying to protect?

If you or your daughters are being looked at, so what....just ignore the stares and enjoy your time at the beach.

Segregated Beaches
Posted by Hombil, Muscat, Oman on Sunday 20 July 2008 at 15:43 UAE time


Shahla Mohd's comments make a lot of sense.

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