UAE Beaches Receive Internationally Recognized Blue Flags for Upholding Environmental Standards

About Blue Flag

The Blue Flag programme is a global initiative of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to protect and develop beaches and marinas around the world. It is a voluntary and internationally recognised eco-label which has been awarded to more than 4000 beaches and marinas across 48 different countries, from the tropical shores of the Caribbean islands to the rugged cliffs of New Zealand. 

Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF) is currently coordinating the Blue Flag programme in the UAE. In 2011, EWS-WWF initiated a successful pilot project at Abu Dhabi Corniche beach. 

In 2014, 7 new sites across the country were awarded with the Blue Flag. These new Blue Flag beaches and marinas now bring the total to 28 Blue Flags in the country. 

The new Blue Flag beaches and marinas are: 

New Beaches (2014):

Abu Dhabi
-    Al Bateen Ladies Beach

Dubai
-    Al Mamzar Beach Park - Beach 1
-    Al Mamzar Beach Park - Beach 3
-    Al Mamzar Beach Park - Beach  4
-    Al Mamzar Beach Park - Beach 5
-    Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
-    Atlantis The Palm Dubai Hotel & Resort 

The existing Blue Flag beaches and marinas:

ABU DHABI:
•    Abu Dhabi Corniche
•    Al Bandar Marina
•    Al Bateen Beach  
•    Emirates Palace Marina 
•    Yas Marina
•    Al Bateen Marina
•    Lagoon Beach
•    Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Beach
•    Phase 2 Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach
•    Saadiyat Beach on Saadiyat Island 
•    The Club Beach
•    Hilton Abu Dhabi Beach 

DUBAI:
•    Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa beach 
•    Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa marina
•    Al Mamzar Beach Park - Beach 2 
•    Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach 
•    Jumeirah Beach Hotel Beach 
•    Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Beach               
•    Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort Beach
•    Jumeirah Beach Hotel - The Pavilion Marina 

FUJAIRAH:
•    Merdien Al Aqah Beach Resort

In order for  beaches and marinas to be considered for the prestigious Blue Flag award, local authorities and area operators are required to meet strict criteria addressing four key areas;  
-    Recreational water quality
-    Environmental education
-    Environmental management 
-    Safety services