Beaches shut in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah after tanker oil spill

Beaches in three northern emirates are closed after the UAE climate and environment ministry (MOCCAE) said on 23 October that a tanker had spilled oil off the coast. Clean-up work is under way. Authorities have given no dates for reopening in Umm Al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah. The sources do not report any closures in Dubai.

The ministry tied the spill to the unusual odours residents had reported since 19 October in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. It said the odours pose no health risks. On 21 October it had said assessments found no cause for concern.

Every beach and coastal zone in Umm Al Quwain is temporarily shut until technical teams finish their assessments and set the required safety and environmental measures. On 23 October the Sharjah Government Media Bureau announced the closure of Al Hamriyah Beach, to keep the pollution away from the area. On 24 October the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, with Ras Al Khaimah Police, closed all public beaches in the emirate until further notice. It said a further announcement would follow, depending on conditions.

The ministry said specialist teams started containment, cordoning, clean-up and remediation as soon as the pollution was detected. Surveys and environmental assessments continue to determine how far the damage reaches. The Umm Al Quwain municipality said its field teams are monitoring affected sites. Fishermen there have suspended fishing in affected areas until remediation is complete.

The tanker has not been officially identified, and the ministry has not confirmed the cause of the leak. It urged the public to rely on official channels, avoid spreading rumours and stay away from closed beaches. It said it will release further updates.

Visitors planning a beach day or a coastal stay in the northern emirates should note that the closures apply until authorities reopen the sites. Gulf News reported the timeline, and Khaleej Times carried the ministry's guidance.