Cleaning tech to make beaches works of art

Dubai - Saifaie said the new sand cleaning machines help remove tiny-sized waste, such as broken glass or cigarette butts, to reduce the number of injuries.

 To make Dubai beaches look attractive for tourists and residents, the civic body has introduced new sand cleaning machines that would turn shores into artworks.
The Dubai Municipality will operate machines that will keep beaches clean by removing unwanted materials from under the sand's surface, with an additional tractor-pulled roller stamp that will leave artistic imprints along the coastline.
The municipality's waste management department officials said small imprints of different Dubai-themed shapes, such as Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa along with other decorative carvings, will be seen on all beaches in the emirate in two weeks.
According to Abdulmajeed Saifaie, director of waste management department, Dubai beaches receive more than 13 million tourists every year. "Dubai beaches are considered the most important touristic feature of the emirate, especially for visitors who love to enjoy the all-year-round sun.
"Given the different sporting and entertainment activities that take place on the beach, it becomes a favourite spot that gathers many visitors and residents."
Saifaie said the new sand cleaning machines help remove tiny-sized waste, such as broken glass or cigarette butts, to reduce the number of injuries.
The municipality is targeting low reliance on labour work for the future through introducing such new technologies. Saifaie noted that the trial phase of the new machines is over and the department will get them operating in two weeks.
The beach cleaning team currently consists of 49 cleaners and seven inspectors, who work in different shifts to remove waste produced by the sea, and oil and petroleum derivates off the shores. Drones are also used to monitor waste disposal violations on the shores. In 2014, Jumeirah beach was picked among the nine best city beaches by CNN.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com