On October 29, UAE authorities announced temporary closures of beaches and coastal areas in Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah, and Sharjah due to an ongoing oil spill.
The affected regions include all coastlines in Umm al-Quwain, with closures extending to Ras al-Khaimah and all beaches in Sharjah. Official assessments indicate the oil slick has impacted approximately 30 kilometers of coastline from Umm al-Quwain to Al-Marjan Island, with potential spread reaching up to 75 kilometers further north toward Ras al-Khaimah.
The Ministry stated that while residents in Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm al-Quwain reported a fuel odor, it does not pose a health risk. Authorities have urged the public to avoid contact with oil washed ashore and refrain from fishing or beach activities in affected zones until further notice. Technical teams are currently assessing environmental consequences of the spill to determine necessary marine protection measures.
