UAE oil spill: Clean-up under way as beaches close in 3 emirates

The UAE closed beaches in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah after a tanker oil spill caused odors across several emirates, Gulf News reported. The environment ministry confirmed the UAE oil spill on Friday, and clean-up began at sea over the weekend.

What happened in the UAE oil spill?

A tanker oil spill caused marine pollution that reached Umm Al Quwain’s beaches. Residents in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain noticed the odors. The ministry’s monitoring system detected the pollution. Authorities have not identified the tanker or confirmed the cause of the leak.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) stressed that the odors pose no health risks.

How did the UAE oil spill unfold?

Reports of unusual odors first emerged in Sharjah and other parts of the country on Monday, October 19. Authorities began monitoring with federal and local agencies.

The next day, Lt. Gen. Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, spoke on the Direct Line program on Sharjah TV and Radio. He said the situation was safe and stable, with no sign of a threat to public health or safety. The odors had disappeared, he said, though inspections would continue as a precaution.

He added that the reports were not limited to Sharjah. Federal authorities were expected to share more details.

On October 21, MOCCAE said it was working with local authorities to investigate. Its assessments had found no cause for concern. Field monitoring continued to help the smells fade.

In the early hours of Friday, October 23, the ministry confirmed the tanker oil spill on social media.

Which beaches are closed after the UAE oil spill?

All beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain are closed as a precaution. They will stay shut until technical teams finish their assessments and set the safety and environmental protection measures needed.

Later on Friday, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau announced the temporary closure of Al Hamriyah Beach. The aim is to stop the pollution from reaching the area. Sharjah authorities said specialist teams are taking steps to keep the emirate’s beaches safe.

On Saturday, October 24, the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department and Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters announced the immediate closure of all public beaches in the emirate until further notice. They called it a temporary measure to protect public safety. The announcement urged residents and visitors to avoid coastal areas.

No reopening dates have been announced for Umm Al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah authorities said another announcement would follow, depending on conditions.

What is being done about the UAE oil spill?

Specialized teams started work as soon as the pollution was detected, the ministry said. They are coordinating with local and federal authorities to contain the oil, cordon off affected areas and begin clean-up and remediation. Surveys and environmental assessments continue to determine the extent of the impact.

Umm Al Quwain Municipality Department said on October 23 that its field teams were monitoring affected locations to help stop the pollution from spreading. Fishermen in Umm Al Quwain have suspended fishing in affected areas, following official instructions, until containment and remediation are complete.

The ministry urged fishermen and other sea users to follow official instructions. It also asked the public to rely on official channels and avoid spreading rumors. Residents and visitors should stay away from closed beaches and coastal areas until authorities say they can reopen.