We've already sworn never to swim at a beach in Dubai as long as we live (mostly because we figure if we swim through all that sewage, we might not live much longer). But we still applaud the efforts of the UAE's Wildlife Society to try to clean up the beaches.
Their strategy involves encouraging beaches near Dubai and Abu Dhabi to apply for Blue Flag status. Beaches that get awarded an official Blue Flag are certified to meet pretty strict environmental and safety conditions, and that definitely means no sewage.
If your vacation in Dubai is too soon to wait for Blue Flag status, then take heart from the words of local sailing club head Keith Mutch:
A million percent better? That's gotta be swimmable.Although the water is one million percent better than it was one month ago, I estimate that this beach will take five to seven years to recover to how it was a year ago.
Related Stories:
· Whiff of Change for Stinking Dubai Beaches [The Age]
· Why We're Never Swimming At A Dubai Beach Again [Jaunted]
· Dubai Travel Guide [Jaunted]
[Photo: Martin O'Connell] ]]>