More than 35 beaches closed across UAE's northern emirates amid oil spill
Beaches and coastal areas in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain have been closed or restricted, with the total now above 35 after a new closure in Sharjah.
Dibba Al Hisn Municipality in Sharjah said on October 27 that Dibba Al Hisn Beach would stay shut temporarily until further notice, for maintenance and improvement works. The closure brings the number of closed or restricted beaches and coastal areas across Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah to more than 35.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed a tanker oil spill on October 23 after unexplained odours were reported in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. The ministry said the odours pose no health risks. All beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain were closed temporarily as a precaution while technical teams assess the situation, and the municipality began large-scale cleanup operations.
The Sharjah Government Media Bureau closed Al Hamriyah Beach to keep pollution from reaching it. On October 24, Ras Al Khaimah's Public Services Department, working with police headquarters, closed all public beaches in the emirate until further notice. Hotels and resorts have restricted beach access and banned swimming, while their restaurants and pool services remain open. The Ras Al Khaimah announcement did not mention the oil spill.