Beach Time
Winter is knocking around the corner. It's snowing in the Northern Hemisphere, but here in the UAE, we are still enjoying the beach and camping seasons! Yey! The sun is much, much, gentler these days we can actually afford to stay under the sun even in mid-day (understand that we can get up to 50 C in summer!).
Recently, kids have been asking to go to the beach much more often. They thoroughly enjoyed our dip last time with big waves crashing on them. Weekends are not the best time to go because there can be lots of people, so we normally go on weekdays. Crowded changing rooms stress me out and just erase the fun I had while swimming.
Yesterday, we also had the chance to finally go swimming at Al Hudayriat Beach. They only allow 40% capacity during this pandemic that is why if you want to be able to enter during weekends and holidays, you have to come really early.
Al Hudayriat Island
Finally, Hudayriat Beach!
A couple of months ago, we tried going there but we just ended up in Bateen Beach due to limited capacity. Even so, I was happy going around the vast parking space and taking photos of the food trucks outside. A few weeks later, we went back just to have a feel of the weekend evening vibe. I even shared both experiences here in the community.
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The Beach
Unlike Bateen Beach, there are sun lounges and umbrellas available for the visitors. This is good - no need for beach mats, and we still get a good shade. Well, not that the kids needed it, they were in the water the whole time!
The beach is "divided" into parts - there is a separate area for families, bachelors, ladies, and couples. They are rightfully marked by signs like this one below.
There are guards in each area who are pretty strict in implementing this manner of guest seggregation. Yesterday after our swim we checked out the kids' playground. When I tried to just leave our bag on one of the lounges at the couples area, the guard called me out to ask if I came with my partner. When I said no, I came with my kids, he asked me to go to the family area.
Like the other beaches and as mandated by the government, the part where there are no lounges have rings that indicate the space that each group can occupy (social distancing). The beach was next to empty when we came, but these rings could be very useful during weekends when there is an influx of people.
A lot of life guards are also sprinked along the beach. I always let the kids go swimming in a spot which is directly in front of a life guard. That gives me a bit more peace of mind.
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The kids had immense fun swimming and playing sand at the beach. It was really hard to get them out of the water. We have not yet even left the beach and we were already planning our return. <3
More Fun Things to Do At Al Hudayriat Island
Since we were already here, we did not miss the chance to check out the other areas inside. While swimming, we could see from where we were, the playground. We went ahead and checked it out after we changed.
Straight ahead are the restaurants, while the playground, outdoor gym, and other water activities are at the left.
We found this table tennis and these huge dice seats, but the kids were more interested to try out something else.
They saw this zip line and before I knew it, they started zooming left and right.
Again, a weekday advantage as we had the place to ourselves!
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After a few rounds, I was finally able to persuade the kids to walk around. There was nice jazz music that played, speakers installed in different parts of the park.
Of course, I had to take some photos for the blog! LOL.
We walked further down left and reached the beachside again. There were a couple of yachts and jet skis docked but we did not go that far to check them out.
There were no attendants here, so I'm not really sure if it was okay to try out these water activities. I reckon this won't be for free though (BTW, entrance to the beach is free).
I just had to take a photo of this boat. :D
Approaching the beach, it looks just like a normal boat. But as you go around it, you'll see that it's actually a sofa. Cute. Haha.
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There are a lot more activities that can be done on this island, which we were not able to explore. They have recently launched the Al Hudayriat Recreational project which includes activities for all ages like adult and children obstacle park, new cycling tracks, a BMX track, climbing wall, high ropes course and a zip-line. There will also be a camping site and heritage walk here.
Like the kids, I am excited to go back and check these activities out in the near future. Of course, I will share the experience here when that happens!
Until next time!
All photos are mine.
