Sharjah opens public beaches

Our Correspondent

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management team in Sharjah has announced the reopening of public beaches in the emirate with effect from August 3. Authorities have called on residents and visitors to adhere to precautionary measures, including wearing masks and maintaining social distance.

Cinemas, hotel beaches and swimming pools were reopened in June. Select museums, education institutes and training centres also threw open their doors earlier.

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Public Library (SPL) launched a ‘smart locker’ service on August 3 to facilitate a round-the-clock borrowing of books via its website. The books ordered through smart locker will be reserved for three days and can be collected at any time during this period.

The SPL said the new system caters to the needs of members who are unable to visit during the opening hours of the library. It uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology that allows members to use their Emirates ID or SPL membership cards to collect and return books. The service consists of 38 lockers equipped with a touch screen that is connected to the SPL’s digital network and CCTVs.

Mosques in the UAE have been allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity from August 3 following the four-day Eid Al Adha break.