Friendly beaches on way
dubai — Purpose-built passages and access signs will welcome ‘people of determination’ at seven Dubai beaches, according to the Dubai Municipality (DM). The new features have been put up at Al Mamzar beach park, Al Mamzar corniche beach, Jumeirah beach III and Umm Suquim beach 1 and 2, as part of Dubai’s campaign to change perceptions of disabled people and the elderly.
“As active members of society, people of determination deserve to be provided with the facilities that increase their access to services. This step is just the beginning,” said Alia Al Harmoudi, director of environment department at DM, who also noted that more public beaches will be included in the next phase.
The changes were made to connect the beach access to the specialised parking slots for the people of determination.
dubai — Seven beaches in Dubai are all set to welcome ‘people of determination’ with its new passages and access signs. The Dubai Municipality (DM) has changed the beach access signs in Al Mamzar beach park, Al Mamzar Corniche Beach, Jumeirah Beach III and Umm Suqeim beach 1 and 2, re- sponding to the leadership’s vision of changing society’s perception of people with disabilities and elderly.
Alia Al Harmoudi, director of environment department at the DM, said more public beaches will be included in the next phase. The changes were made to connect the beach access to the specialised parking slots for the people of determination.
Earlier, Dubai had launched a National Strategy for Empowering People with Disabilities, revolving around six pillars, including health and rehabilitation; education; vocational rehabilitation and employment; mobility, social protection and family empowerment; and public life, social and sport.
As part of the strategy, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had announced that people with disabilities will be called “people of determination” and those responsible for the services at organisations will be called “services officers for people of determination”.
Al Harmoudi said that the move is meant to allow people who experience mobility difficulties to enjoy their beach experience.
“As active members of society, people of determination deserve to be provided with the facilities that increase their access to services. This step is just the beginning,” she said.
Al Harmoudi said the changes are part of a Dh35-million project set to carry regular maintenance of marine facilities and coastal protection for the next two years. The project includes preventive and corrective maintenance to enhance marine facilities including floating anchors, swimming barriers, beach maintenance, coastal protection facilities and pollution barriers.
As active members of society, people of determination deserve facilities that increase their access to services.” Alia Al Harmoudi, director of environment dept, DM