UAE beach closures: Full list of beaches shut as a precaution and the reasons behind each closure

More than 35 beaches and coastal areas across Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are closed or restricted, Gulf News reported. Dibba Al Hisn Beach in Sharjah was the latest to shut, on Tuesday, October 27. Authorities have linked some of the UAE beach closures to a tanker oil spill.

Which beaches are closed in the UAE?

All beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain are closed, along with all public beaches in Ras Al Khaimah. In Sharjah, Al Hamriyah Beach and Dibba Al Hisn Beach are shut. Hotels and resorts in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah have also restricted beach access, and swimming is prohibited.

Why are UAE beaches closed?

Not every closure has the same explanation. Authorities have tied some to a tanker oil spill.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed the spill in the early hours of Friday, October 23. It followed reports of unexplained odors in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. The ministry said the odors pose no health risks.

Dibba Al Hisn Municipality announced its closure on Tuesday, October 27. It said the beach is shut for maintenance and improvement works. That closure has not been officially linked to the spill.

Which beaches are closed in Umm Al Quwain?

All beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain were closed as a precaution while technical teams complete their assessments. The municipality has also begun large-scale cleanup operations.

The closures include:

• Umm Al Quwain Open Beach
• UAQ Corniche Beach
• Kite Beach Centre
• The Mangrove Beach
• Al Bahr Beach
• Lumi Beach
• Flamingo Beach Hotel Beach
• Vida Beach Resort Umm Al Quwain
• Umm Al Quwain Beach Hotel

Which beaches are closed in Ras Al Khaimah?

On Saturday, October 24, the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department announced the immediate closure of all public beaches in the emirate. It acted in coordination with Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters. The closure is a temporary measure to safeguard public safety and will last until further notice.

The department urged residents and visitors to avoid coastal areas. The announcement did not mention the oil spill.

The closures include:

• RAK Public Beach
• Saqr Beach
• Flamingo Beach
• Al Rams Beach
• Al Rams Corniche
• Saraya Island Beach
• Mina Beaches
• Marjan Island Beaches
• Al Jazeera Beach
• Al Mairid Beach
• Hulailah Beach
• Al Hamra Beach
• Khor Khwair Coastal Beach
• Khor Al Qantara Beach
• Ghalilah Sea View
• Al Hamra Beach Resort
• Sofitel Al Hamra
• Anantara Mina Al Arab
• InterContinental Mina Al Arab
• Mövenpick Al Marjan Island
• DoubleTree Marjan Island
• ULA Beach
• Rixos Bab Al Bahr
• Banan Beach
• BM Beach Hotel
• Longbeach Campground

Which beaches are closed in Sharjah?

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau announced the closure of Al Hamriyah Beach on Friday. The step was meant to stop the pollution from reaching it. Dibba Al Hisn Beach is also closed for maintenance and improvement works.

Can you swim at hotel and resort beaches in the UAE?

No. Beach access is restricted at hotels and resorts in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. Several hotels and resorts said guests cannot use the beach, and swimming is completely prohibited, in line with local authority guidance.

Restaurants, pool services and other facilities continue to operate.

When will UAE beaches reopen?

No reopening dates have been announced for Umm Al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah. Authorities said a further announcement will follow in due course, depending on conditions.

Dibba Al Hisn Beach will stay shut until another official notice is issued. The municipality did not say how long the works will take.

Residents and visitors are advised to stay away from closed beaches and rely on official channels for updates.

The list was compiled from multiple official websites, destination maps and tourist pages. It may not be comprehensive. It has not been individually checked with each beach or venue to confirm whether it is closed.