Dubai Opens 24-Hour Women-Only Beach, Other Nations Already Have Similar Concepts
Dubai is reshaping its beach tourism landscape once again. The city in the United Arab Emirates has officially opened a private women-only beach operating 24 hours a day. Located in the Al Mamzar Corniche area, a coastal region in northeastern Dubai bordering Sharjah.
The project is part of a AED 3 billion (approximately IDR 13 trillion) coastal development initiative. Dubai’s government has incorporated the project into its masterplan for public beach development and coastal tourism infrastructure. The new area is enclosed with privacy fencing, smart surveillance systems, and strict no-photography rules.
The beach is fully staffed by women, from security personnel to lifeguards. A children’s play area is provided, though boys are permitted only up to age six when accompanied by a parent. Dubai’s government aims for Al Mamzar to attract seven million visitors annually once the project’s second phase is complete.
Dubai has long had women-only beach zones, but the new Al Mamzar concept differs as it is open around the clock, including for night swimming. High-tech lighting and surveillance towers ensure safety late into the night. Such a model is rare, even in Middle Eastern countries.
Women-only beaches are not a new phenomenon. In some countries, the concept arises from female tourists’ safety needs; in others, it relates to conservative social and dress norms. Results vary: some are private resorts, others operate women-only days weekly.
In Egypt, women’s beach concepts are well-established in Mediterranean tourist areas. La Femme Beach is a notable example, offering women a high-privacy space for swimming and sunbathing, with regular activities such as yoga, zumba, and belly dancing.
In Turkey, Sarisu Ladies Beach is a popular destination. Managed by Antalya city government, it features spa facilities, restaurants, children’s play areas, and a small market, operating more as a closed family resort than a typical beach.
A different concept emerges in Finland with SuperShe Island. Not merely a beach, it is an exclusive women’s retreat focused on wellness and social detox, with visitors screened to maintain a private and tranquil community atmosphere.
In India, several beaches in Goa now offer women-only swimming zones, implemented at popular spots like Arambol, Baga, and Colva. The move follows increased demand from solo female tourists seeking safer, more comfortable swimming spaces.
Women-only beaches continue to spark debate. Some view them as a practical solution in public spaces still not entirely safe for women, while others see the concept as perpetuating gender segregation in social and tourism activities.