Dubai's Beaches Embrace Accessibility: 90% Catered for People of Determination

Dubai Municipality has made 90% of the emirate's public beaches accessible to people with disabilities, marking a significant step in creating inclusive recreational spaces. The achievement comes as part of comprehensive efforts to build facilities that serve all community members and improve quality of life across Dubai.

The municipality is showcasing its accessibility initiatives at the 7th International Abilities Expo, running from October 6-8 at Dubai World Trade Centre. Here's what makes this interesting - Dubai isn't just retrofitting old facilities, but designing new ones from the ground up with accessibility in mind.

One standout project is the nighttime Jumeirah 2 beach, specifically equipped for people with disabilities and elderly visitors. The facility includes advanced features to ensure comfortable experiences for all users.

But the real innovation shows up in the emergency systems. Dubai developed the Middle East's first emergency evacuation system for people with disabilities at Al Mamzar Park beaches. The system covers the entire beach area with clear warning lights, evacuation messages, and speakers that guide visually impaired visitors to safe locations.

The municipality also created guidance devices for people with hearing and visual impairments at training centers. These devices work as comprehensive guides and tracking systems, helping locate individuals within buildings during emergencies.

Major parks across Dubai now meet accessibility standards. This includes Mushrif National Park, Al Khoor Park, Zabeel Park, Al Safa Park, Al Mamzar Beach Park, and the Quran Park. All feature wheelchair-accessible pathways and entrances, Braille signage for blind visitors, adapted playground equipment, accessible restrooms, and nearby parking spaces.

The facilities go further with quiet rooms designed for people with autism and staff trained in sign language communication. This brings 80% of Dubai's public parks up to full accessibility standards.

Dubai Frame got a complete accessibility upgrade too. The landmark now offers designated parking spaces with cameras and audio services, handrail-lined pathways in outdoor areas, wheelchair charging stations in reception areas, wheelchairs available inside the Frame, a Dubai Frame map in Braille, and accessible restrooms. Future additions will include sensory rooms, adaptive play areas, and new navigation paths.

The municipality set a Guinness World Record for the longest Braille handrail in the world at Dubai Frame - stretching 319.11 meters along the structure. This marks the first world record specifically focused on facility accessibility for people with disabilities.

A new interactive accessibility map is coming through the "Makani" project. The system will show disability-friendly locations including designated parking spaces, accessible entrances, and bus stops. The project aims to provide unified addresses for every building entrance while supporting economic activities and reducing emergency response times.

Bader Anouhi, Executive Director of Public Facilities at the municipality and head of the disability inclusion team, explained that the expo represents a platform where government and private institutions, international experts, and community members gather to present smart solutions and innovative initiatives supporting people with disabilities.

"The welfare and happiness of people with disabilities tops Dubai Municipality's priorities," Anouhi said. "We continue developing comprehensive facilities and smart services aimed at improving quality of life, integration, and empowerment so they become contributing members of society within a complete framework of equality and equal opportunities."

Seismic Monitoring and Safety

The municipality is expanding its earthquake monitoring systems by adding five new stations and developing the "Dubai Safe" (DB-Safe) smart app. The application issues audio and visual alerts when significant ground tremors occur. The project includes using robots in awareness workshops for people with disabilities and children to increase understanding of natural hazards.

Community Outreach Programs

Dubai Municipality continues its "Access Ambassadors" initiative, selecting individuals from strategic partners and the community to work within accessibility teams. The program offers free training courses covering Dubai Building Code standards and requirements, spreading accessibility culture in buildings and public facilities, and encouraging owners and investors to make their buildings disability-friendly.

The municipality also built a disability-friendly recyclable materials collection center in cooperation with Dubai Centre for People with Disabilities and Community Development Authority. The center operates 24/7 using solar power and smart sensors to monitor capacity levels. It's designed so people with disabilities and others can easily deliver materials from their cars, supporting Dubai's circular economy transformation plan.