Passengers travelling to Dubai can now change their travel dates without a fee on several Economy and Business Class fares. The option applies to Economy Saver through Flex fares and Business Class Special, Saver and Flex fares. Travellers can therefore change their dates as many times as needed without paying a separate change fee each time.

However, a free date change does not mean that the new flight will always cost the same. If the replacement flight has a higher fare, passengers may still have to pay the difference. Economy Flex Plus, Premium Economy, Business Flex Plus and First Class tickets already offer full flexibility under their existing conditions.

Emirates has also reduced the fees for passengers who want to cancel their Dubai-bound flights. Economy Saver and Business Special or Saver fares can now be refunded for a $50 (€43) fee. The charge for Economy and Business Flex fares has been reduced to $25 (€22). No-show fees remain unchanged.

The lower fees give passengers another option if changing their travel date is no longer suitable. Travellers who are uncertain about their plans can therefore book with more flexibility than before. Emirates advises passengers to check the conditions of their individual fare before making changes or requesting a refund.

The new flexibility also extends beyond Dubai. Tickets booked since 2 April 2026 include one complimentary date change across the Emirates network, including itineraries that connect through Dubai. Passengers can also hold a fare for 24 hours without paying a fee while they finalise their travel plans.

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The measures come against a backdrop of uncertainty for Dubai’s tourism sector, with regional instability and disruptions to air travel affecting travel plans in recent months. Travel Tomorrow previously reported on a Dubai initiative offering residents rewards worth more than €700 for inviting friends and relatives from abroad. Emirates’ new policy gives travellers another option when booking a trip by making it easier to adjust their plans if circumstances change.

Emirates is also offering support when passengers face operational disruptions. Where necessary, affected travellers can receive accommodation and be rebooked at no additional cost if their onward connection is disrupted or an Emirates service is unavailable. The measures also cover situations involving airspace closures.

The airline is additionally promoting its Comprehensive Travel Cover in 27 countries. The insurance includes cancellation and baggage protection, as well as worldwide medical and emergency evacuation cover. It also provides specific protection related to conflict, including up to $25,000 in medical expenses and trip extensions of up to 30 days.

Emirates Skywards members can also receive temporary benefits until 31 August. Members need 20% fewer Tier Miles to reach Silver, Gold or Platinum status and receive a 20% Tier Miles bonus on Emirates and flydubai flights. The airline is also increasing the value of its Cash+Miles option, with 2,000 Miles redeemable for $30 (€26), twice the usual value.

L’article Emirates introduces free date-change policy for flights to Dubai  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The arrival of the UAE’s first casino resort represents a major shift in the country’s approach to commercial gaming. For decades, gambling has been prohibited in the UAE, but authorities started creating a framework for regulated gaming in recent years. In 2023, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established to oversee the sector and ensure that future gaming activities would follow strict rules. In October 2024, Wynn Resorts received the UAE’s first commercial gaming operator licence, allowing the company to develop the country’s first licensed gaming facility.

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Ras Al Khaimah was selected as the location for the ambitious project, offering a different setting from the busy urban environment of Dubai. The emirate has been investing heavily in tourism and luxury accommodation, while promoting its beaches, mountains and outdoor experiences. Located around 80 kilometres north of Dubai International Airport, Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to attract international visitors looking for a combination of relaxation and entertainment. The resort could help position Ras Al Khaimah as one of the Gulf region’s emerging luxury tourism destinations.

Construction of the resort is currently entering its final stages, although the project has faced some delays. Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings previously announced a “modest delay” due to logistical and shipping challenges linked to regional conflicts and wider supply chain disruptions. The company estimated that these issues increased the cost of the project by around $600 million (€520 million). Despite these challenges, work on the resort is progressing, with the 70-storey tower reaching its highest structural point and interior works continuing across the property.

Wynn Al Marjan Island is designed as an integrated resort, meaning that visitors will find much more than a casino on the site. The development will include more than 1,500 rooms, suites and residences, offering different levels of accommodation. The resort will feature 22 restaurants, bars and lounges, bringing together international concepts and new dining experiences created specifically for Ras Al Khaimah. Among the announced venues are Delilah, a well-known entertainment dining concept from Las Vegas, and a new steakhouse by French chef Alain Ducasse.

Entertainment will also play an important role in attracting visitors to the resort. Wynn Al Marjan Island will include a theatre with around 900 seats, immersive experiences and live performances. The resort will also feature a 15,000-square-metre luxury retail promenade with international brands. These facilities reflect a broader trend in global tourism, where travellers increasingly look for destinations that combine accommodation, entertainment, shopping and unique experiences in one location.

The resort will also focus on leisure and relaxation, with facilities designed for both short stays and longer holidays. Guests will have access to a 420-metre private white sand beach, 12 swimming pools, a luxury spa and a beach club. A marina will allow the resort to welcome superyachts from around the world, while events facilities will provide space for conferences, celebrations and other large gatherings. The combination of these amenities is aimed at attracting different types of travellers, from luxury holidaymakers to business visitors.

The opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island comes as the UAE continues to expand its tourism offer beyond traditional attractions. Dubai has built a global reputation around shopping, architecture and luxury experiences, while Ras Al Khaimah is developing its own identity based on nature, beaches and high-end resorts. The new project adds another element to the emirate’s tourism strategy by introducing a large-scale entertainment destination. Future transport improvements, including a new bridge connection and plans for possible flying taxi services between Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai, could further improve accessibility for international visitors.

L’article UAE’s first casino resort to open in Ras Al Khaimah in September 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new “A Dubai Invite” programme, launched by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), allows UAE residents and citizens to invite friends and relatives living abroad to visit the city between 20 July and 31 October 2026. In return, residents can unlock benefits worth more than AED 3,000 (€716), with access to over 20 perks, including hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets and lifestyle offers.

“The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘A Dubai Invite’, inviting residents to become ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai,” said the Dubai Media Office, announcing the initiative in a post on X.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism launches ‘A Dubai Invite’, inviting residents to become ambassadors of the city by welcoming their loved ones to Dubai. The programme runs until 31 October 2026, delivering tangible benefits to the community of nearly 200 nationalities. pic.twitter.com/2V85yoQ1Fw

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 22, 2026

According to the official Visit Dubai website, residents who successfully nominate eligible visitors can access exclusive offers from hotels, restaurants and attractions across the city. These include discounts of up to 45% at selected hotels, including Meliá Desert Palm, W Dubai Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Waterpark, and IHG Hotels & Resorts. The package also offers complimentary attraction tickets to destinations such as Aquaventure and IMG Worlds of Adventure, as well as two-for-one dining deals at restaurants including ULA, Asia Asia and The 305, allowing residents and their guests to explore and enjoy Dubai together at reduced prices.

To qualify, nominated visitors must be non-UAE residents travelling on a valid tourist visa or be eligible for a visa on arrival. Residents must also be at least 18 years old and hold a valid Emirates ID. Visitors need to arrive before 31 October, while the rewards can be redeemed until the end of the year. Each resident can receive up to three reward packages under the scheme.

The campaign aims to encourage residents from nearly 200 nationalities living in Dubai to promote the destination to friends and relatives abroad. On its website, Visit Dubai says: “You’re their best reason to visit.”

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The programme also comes during Dubai’s traditionally low tourism season, when temperatures frequently approach 50°C, making summer one of the quietest periods for international visitors.

Dubai welcomed around 19.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the Middle East’s leading tourism destinations. However, the tourism industry has faced challenges in recent months following regional instability linked to the conflict involving Iran. The unrest disrupted air travel, affected visitor confidence and prompted the Dubai government to introduce a series of economic support measures for businesses, including relief for hotels, restaurants and aviation operators.

The campaign has already attracted strong interest, with 10,000 applications submitted within the first 48 hours of its launch. Due to the overwhelming response, authorities are reviewing the cap on the number of reward packages available under the programme.

The initiative comes as Dubai’s tourism sector introduces further measures to reassure travellers amid regional uncertainty. Alongside the resident referral programme, airlines and tourism businesses have also introduced new incentives and offers aimed at restoring travel demand and supporting the sector’s recovery. As part of these efforts, Emirates has launched an industry-first travel insurance initiative covering conflict-related disruptions, including certain risks linked to geopolitical events, offering passengers greater reassurance when travelling during periods of uncertainty.

L’article Dubai launches €700 discount scheme for tourists invited by UAE residents est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The system helps airport operators and passengers beat the queues by deploying smart cameras and biometrics to recognise and clear up to 10 passengers at the same time. It is now able to be used by other airport users, following an initial test phase in the hub’s Terminal 3.

Travel pro tip: check before you queue
When travelling through #DXB, you can now quickly scan your passport to check if you can use the @GDRFADubai Smart Gates, or if you need to head to the Passport Control desks instead.

The Smart Gates PreCheck tool is available to use… pic.twitter.com/7T1jLvveba

— DXB (@DXB) July 16, 2026

Well over 26 million travellers benefitted from the Smart Gates last year. UAE and GCC nationals, UAE residents, and visa-on-arrival guests with biometric passports are all eligible to use them, both at arrivals and departures, where officials say they will “pass through passport control swiftly, typically within seconds, thanks to their enhanced features and contactless process.” (Though it’s worth noting that families with children and people under 1.2-metres tall cannot use the service).

The use of the tech at Dubai is a world-first, linking to the airport’s advanced systems including integrated flight data and AI passenger registrations. Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, told Times reporters the aim was to improve the passenger experience in the airport and “make the security process no less rigorous but far less intrusive.”

Griffiths said: “We’ve invested in camera technology, whereby you can continue to walk through a space and be verified as OK to enter or leave the country, so no passports in your hand, no gate readers, no difficulty with the whole process.”

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Gulf News explains that passengers using Dubai International can already sign up to use Smart Gates via the Smart Gates Pre-Check, accessible from anywhere in the world before travel and allowing passengers to confirm their eligibility before arriving at the airport. Registration involves travellers scanning their passport photograph. In addition, travellers already in situ at DXB, can scan QR codes displayed throughout the Arrivals and Departures passport control areas to navigate to the same service.

But the “red carpet” clearance system now goes beyond even the Smart Gates in terms of performance, in some instances clearing passengers in as little as three seconds. The airport is also speeding up passenger journeys to and from the airport with the anticipated launch of Joby air taxis. After a difficult year in 2026 so far, following aviation disruption in the Middle East due to the Iran-US-Israel conflict, Dubai will be looking for ways to improve its passenger flows and throughput to retain its position at the head of the world’s busiest airport rankings.

L’article Dubai airport trials AI-powered biometric system cutting terminal wait times by over 60% est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to a press release from the Dubai-based, UAE flag carrier, the U-Dream Headrest is “designed to provide full neck and head support during sleep or relaxation.” Despite having only just finished the 100th aircraft in its €5-billion fleet upgrade, Emirates is installing the headrest across all Emirates A350s by the end of 2026. The product will come pre-installed on its new  Boeing 777s, and will be retrofitted to Airbus A380s from 2027.

Part of Emirates’ Z400 seat by Safran, with padded leather and flexible side wings that can be folded inwards to “gently cradle” the head and neck, the headrest “helps passengers maintain a comfortable sleeping position without their head falling forwards or sideways,” the airline says. It can be moved vertically and tilt, to support passengers of different heights and body sizes. It has been independently tested and verified to meet European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.

The innovation comes as airlines, transport manufacturers and operators, and hospitality providers around the world, rush to cater to growing demand from travel consumers for premium and luxury comfort features. Examples include other airlines competing on lie-flat economy bed options, and Collins Airspace turning the dreaded rear aircraft seat into a semi-private “Skynook.”

The phenomenon can be seen across road, rail, and sea-faring transport as well. Earlier this year, Uber announced a deal to acquire Blacklane, a Berlin-based global chauffeur service platform, describing premium travel as “one of the most exciting growth areas” of its business. And in an extreme version of the trend, Orient Express is branching into the luxury yacht market.

In a statement, Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said the airline had “found a way to significantly improve the comfort for Economy Class passengers, especially those travelling long-haul. The U-Dream changes the game if the person wants to sleep – by supporting the neck in full. No more neck pillows needed. It’s another innovation that shows our commitment to customers and cements our Economy Class as the best.”

In another appeal to the luxury segment and another potential world-first, Clark recently said he was working on en-suite bathrooms in the airline’s first-class suites. Early in 2025, Emirates inaugurated a $5-million premium lounge in Bangkok, intended to mark a “new standard for premium travel”, according to an airline statement at the time.

L’article Emirates enhances economy class with new ergonomic headrest est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Dar al-Funoon, or House of the Arts, will sit alongside the Saadiyat Cultural District, which is rapidly becoming one of the most ambitious cultural clusters in the world. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum by Mecanoo and TeamLab Phenomena by TeamLab Architects are already open, while the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is expected to welcome visitors later this year.

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Dar al-Funoon is being developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism. The venue will host operas, ballets and theatre productions, but also orchestral concerts, musicals, festivals and cultural events, alongside more intimate performances.

The main multipurpose hall will seat over 2,000 people, with an orchestra pit large enough for 120 musicians and acoustics engineered for major productions.

Details have not been overlooked, and every genre will get its own dedicated space, thoughtfully designed for optimum enjoyment and performance.

Beyond the main hall, a 3,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre will host large-scale events and festivals, while a 400-seat studio theatre is earmarked for experimental and community productions. Jazz, meanwhile, will be celebrated in its own specially designed 250-seat venue, offering a more intimate atmosphere suited to the genre.

No such place would be complete without food, beverage and retail space, and Dar al-Funoon will be dotted with 5,000 square metres of delectation for the eyes and stomach.

The space is intended to be open year-round, not just for one-off events but as a permanent home for major live productions, with artistic residencies on offer and international touring partnerships and co-productions with performing arts centres around the world.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, described the project as a reflection of the emirate’s long-term investment in artistic expression and cultural development, saying the centre “will be a permanent home for performance, bringing together leading artists, companies and creative talent from the UAE, the region and across the world”.

Ghery’s undulating design is spectacular, a rippling, fabric-like exterior that seems to breathe and shift, inspired by the movements of the sea and wind. It is very much his signature: the same restless, sculptural energy that defines the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. Gehry, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 96, also designed the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, currently under construction on the same island. Dar al-Funoon will rank among the final projects of his extraordinary career.

L’article Abu Dhabi to open Frank Gehry-designed performing arts centre by 2030 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Emirates, one of the flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates and based in Dubai, has been directly impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Yet despite rising costs, the airline will be sticking to a strategy of maintaining flight schedules. In an interview, Emirates president Tim Clark explained exactly how the carrier will be encouraging travellers to return.

According to Clark, Emirates’ new incentive programme will not focus on lower fares to reassure travellers and to get them to return to the airline’s hub, Dubai. As airfare is highly aligned with the price of jet fuel, which is prone to fluctuation at the time of writing, reducing ticket prices is not an option for the carrier.

However, all other means are fit to lure back customers, including safety and reliability in an uncertain market.

“We’ll take care of all of that, including flying them on other carriers if necessary to bring them home or get the kids into school,” Clark told Reuters, speaking of people’s concerns about flights getting cancelled or travellers being stranded.

Since the start of the conflict, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has been advising airlines not to fly over certain parts of the Gulf and Middle East by applying conflict-zone warnings. This is putting Emirates in a difficult position, and although Clark says he understands their obligation to protect travellers, he is in talks with different governments and regulators in an attempt to ease restrictions.

Concluding his interview with Reuters, Clark indicated that Emirates is still hoping for a good summer season. Once the price for jet fuel drops from $90 a barrel to around $70, the airline should be back on track, although it remains unclear when exactly this will happen.

Emirates in 2026

According to a statement issued by Emirates on 4 May 2026, the airline had restored 96% of its global network. In the weeks before, the airline had progressively resumed services across the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East, and Australasia.

With 137 destinations across 72 countries and over 1,300 weekly frequencies, Emirates has reached 75% of pre-disruption capacity.

“The airline is offering more flights, more seats, and more options each day while reaffirming Dubai’s position as a vital hub through which global travel moves. Even as it operated with a reduced schedule, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers during the disruption, a testament to the enduring demand for travel and the trust that travellers continued to place in the airline to get them where they needed to go,” Emirates wrote.

According to industry estimates, the conflict in the Middle East could cost the region approximately 23 million international visitors and nearly $34 billion in tourism spending.

L’article Emirates launches incentive programme to reassure travellers amid tensions with Iran est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

His words come alongside the announcement of forward-looking tourism initiatives. On 14 May, the DCT revealed a $1.7-billion investment in an immersive experience hub called Sphere, which follows the opening of Sphere Entertainment Co’s Las Vegas arena in 2023.

The future of entertainment is taking shape on Yas Island.

Powered by advanced technologies, Sphere Abu Dhabi will captivate the world with a new era of immersive experiences and become a global platform for Emirati creativity.@spherevegas pic.twitter.com/64R1uFpZaE

— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) May 14, 2026

The United Arab Emirates capital is also investing in world-class art venues like the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, where a branch of the Louvre awaits. The full opening of the city’s Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum is also imminent, and Disney recently revealed a new Abu Dhabi theme park.

Prior to the outbreak of Middle East hostilities at the end of February 2026, the Emirati pivot away from fossil fuels had already borne fruit. In 2025, Abu Dhabi welcomed 26.6 million visitors and 5.9 million hotel guests, tourism agency figures show. The state is targeting 39.3 million annual visitors by 2030, an influx anticipated to boost its gross domestic product to AED90 billion (€21 billion).

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews report of the Emirates Tourism Council and achievements of the UAE's tourism for 2025

Key results and achievements:
+32 million guests stayed in hotel establishments, reflecting an increase of 5.1% compared to 2024.
AED 49.21 billion in… pic.twitter.com/G78AsKYHd3

— Sinan (@SinanYTRR) May 26, 2026

But Iranian drones have struck the UAE, including at airports and near nuclear facilities, closing airspace early in the conflict, and stranding tens of thousands of visitors and non-residents. Many airlines are still not operating even partial schedules to the region.

In a crisis estimated to be costing global travel and tourism $600 million per day, hotel occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi were almost slashed in half year-on-year (-45%) for the period during the end-March Eid al-Fitr holiday in mid-March, analysts at CoStar said.

The Abu Dhabi in Numbers series highlights growth across the emirate’s culture and tourism sectors in 2025, supported by @dctabudhabi and reflecting Abu Dhabi’s growing global appeal, strong sector performance, and ongoing investment in developing its iconic landmarks. pic.twitter.com/vZfRu5eoqg

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 6, 2026

Nonetheless, Abu Dhabi flag carrier Etihad is now back to operating at 80% capacity, Flightradar data indicates, and Al Mubarak has insisted that international guests are beginning to return. “Regional tourism is really picking up right now,” he said.

Etihad to resume limited flight schedule from 6 March

Etihad will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from 6 March 2026, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.

Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as… pic.twitter.com/GNiAWjmmY2

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 6, 2026

While Al Mubarak may be optimistic, analysts tend to agree that tourism demand is holding (albeit for other destinations right now), and that the UAE is playing a long game, and that the current Middle East conflict is unlikely to last long enough to really put a serious dent in the Emirati Abu Dhabi Tourism 2030 strategy. Indeed, some say the state will emerge from the crisis as a stronger destination, thanks to its deep infrastructure, institutional credibility and clear global market positioning. On all three fronts, Bulut Bağcı, President of the World Tourism Forum Institute, writing in Travel Tomorrow, said, “the UAE stands apart. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are no longer competing merely as regional destinations; they are operating as global platforms for tourism, aviation, investment, hospitality, and events.” 

Seen in that context, investment in the Sphere venue, which is slated for completion in 2029, is a “clear signal” of Abu Dhabi’s commitment, Al Mubarak said in a press release. “Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction,” he said.

L’article Abu Dhabi still betting big on tourism amid regional war est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Ahead of the long-awaited rollout of a passenger service across the Emirates this year, Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has launched a nationwide safety campaign covering all seven Emirates.

Called “Safety is Care”, the campaign aims to raise awareness of safe behaviour near tracks, crossings and stations, and to introduce residents to rail travel etiquette, which is still relatively new to the UAE. The campaign will be delivered via broadcasts, digital platforms, outdoor advertising and community engagement initiatives in order to reach audiences nationwide.

Rather than relying solely on warnings and regulations, the initiative draws heavily on behavioural science and long-term cultural engagement. According to Etihad Rail, many rail-related incidents worldwide are caused by distraction, routine behaviour and a lack of awareness around tracks.

The campaign is accompanied by realistic visuals and everyday scenarios designed to be relatable rather than alarming. Schools, local communities and public institutions are also involved in the outreach effort.

“As we prepare to introduce passenger services across the UAE, it is essential that we build awareness and understanding of how to engage safely with the railway”, said Adhraa Almansoori, director of public policy and sustainability at Etihad Rail.

“This campaign is about building a culture of care and shared responsibility, ensuring that our communities, our passengers, and our employees all play a role in maintaining the highest safety standards.”

Throughout the year, passenger services will be introduced gradually in a carefully planned, phased approach designed to prioritise safety, reliability and comfort from the outset.

Once operational, the network will connect 11 cities across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. Stations will be integrated with metro systems, buses, and taxis, and estimated journey times will include 57 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and one hour and 45 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.

The broader ambitions are significant. It is projected that the network will carry 36.5 million passengers per year by 2030, cutting 8.2 million tonnes of CO₂ annually and offering a low-emission alternative to domestic flights and car travel across the Gulf.

Behind the scenes, the scale of the project remains enormous. The 900-kilometre network includes hundreds of bridges and crossings, as well as tunnels carved through mountainous terrain. Freight operations have been running on parts of the network since 2023.

Passengers can look forward to unforgettable views: endless desert plains, open skies, salt flats, industrial landscapes en route to Ruwais, and mountain scenery on the Oman stretch. This will reveal parts of the country that many residents and visitors rarely encounter from the air or on the ground.

The trains will feature first, business and economy classes, and will embody a distinctly Emirati identity. Plans are already in place for future high-speed trains between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which could reach speeds of 350 km/h.

An even more luxurious option is also being developed in partnership with the Italian company Arsenale. This is intended to recreate the golden age of rail travel on Arabian sands and has been dubbed a luxury “rail cruise”.

For now, however, the focus is on the inaugural journeys. The safety campaign is the final step before the doors open.

L’article Etihad Rail passenger services set to launch in UAE as nationwide safety campaign begins est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The women-only beach operates with strict access rules aimed at ensuring privacy and comfort for visitors. Entry is limited to women and young children, while boys under the age of six are permitted when accompanied by a parent. Men are not allowed at any time, and the site is fully enclosed with fencing to limit external visibility. A strict no-photography policy is also enforced across the area. All staff, including lifeguards and security personnel, are female, reinforcing a controlled and private environment throughout the beach.

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Beyond its access policy, the destination has been developed as a multi-purpose coastal space offering a wide range of leisure and sports facilities. Visitors can use extended walking, running, and cycling tracks that connect different parts of the coastline. Sports infrastructure includes padel courts, volleyball areas, and outdoor gym equipment available for public use. A floating walkway links the Corniche with the lagoon, creating an additional route along the waterfront. The area also includes children’s play zones and multiple food and beverage outlets, supporting longer visits and family-friendly use.

Safety and infrastructure have been integrated into the design to support both daytime and nighttime use. Lifeguard towers are positioned along swimming areas, supported by emergency call points placed throughout the beach. Lighting systems enable extended evening access and nighttime use, while smart monitoring technologies are also used to support security without reducing the open beach experience. These elements are designed to balance accessibility with structured safety management.

The project forms part of a wider coastal investment programme valued at approximately AED 3 billion (around €760 million), aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The plan focuses on increasing green and blue public spaces and improving the quality of life across Dubai. The development also reflects broader urban priorities associated with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with an emphasis on liveability and tourism growth. Once fully completed, the wider Al Mamzar Beaches project is expected to increase annual visitor capacity along the coastline.

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The introduction of a women-only beach also connects to a wider pattern of women-focused public services across the emirate. One example is the “pink taxi” service in Dubai, where vehicles are driven by women and primarily serve female passengers and families. These taxis are designed to provide a more comfortable transport option for women while also creating employment opportunities in the transport sector.

Another example can be found in the Dubai Metro system, which includes designated women-and-children carriages. These sections are intended to improve comfort during busy travel times and are mainly used as an optional space rather than a strict separation. Similar women-focused transport arrangements exist in other countries, including women-only train carriages in Japan and India, as well as dedicated sections in metro systems in cities such as Mexico City and São Paulo.

The women-only beach in the United Arab Emirates, therefore, sits within a broader framework of gender-specific public services that already exist in transport and urban infrastructure. Rather than being an isolated concept, it forms part of a wider model that combines privacy, accessibility, and specialised public services within urban life.

L’article Dubai opens world’s first continuous women-only beach at Khor Al Mamzar est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.