UAE authorities say unusual odors across emirates pose no danger as checks continue

The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said unusual odors reported across several areas pose no cause for concern, Khaleej Times reported.

Field monitoring is continuing as authorities work to identify the source. Sharjah Police also said on Tuesday that the situation was under control.

Are the unusual odors in the UAE dangerous?

Authorities say assessments have found no indication of a threat. The ministry said response efforts and field monitoring are continuing to help reduce the odors and disperse them more quickly.

Officials are still working to determine the nature and source of the smell.

What is the UAE ministry doing about the odors?

The ministry said on X that it is coordinating with local authorities to monitor the situation. Teams are working to establish the nature of the odors and identify their source.

The ministry said the public would be informed promptly if any precautionary measures became necessary. It urged residents to avoid speculation and rely on official channels for updates.

What did Sharjah Police say about the smell?

Sharjah Police Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer addressed the issue on Tuesday during the “Direct Line” program, saying the situation was under control.

He said police had received complaints about odors in Sharjah and neighboring emirates. He described the situation as safe and stable, adding that there was no threat to the public. Authorities would share any further developments, he said.

Where have residents reported the strange smell?

Since Monday, residents of Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai have reported a strong, pungent smell in the air, with many sharing their experiences on social media and public messaging platforms. Some described it as resembling fuel or gas.

In Dubai, reports came from Al Nahda, Mamzar and Deira. In Sharjah, residents reported particularly strong odors around Qassimiya and Rahmaniyya. In Ajman, the smell was noticed in Nuaimia, the Corniche area and Al Rashidiya.

How have residents described the odor?

One resident, Sarah, said she noticed the smell as far away as the E311. She stopped at a petrol station, initially suspecting a problem with her car, before realizing the odor was in the surrounding air. The smell persisted for about two hours and eased after the wind picked up, she said.

The cause remains unclear. Some residents reported feeling nauseous because of the intensity of the smell, while others turned off their air conditioning and closed their windows.