On Saturday, 24 October, the authorities in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates announced the closure of all beaches until further notice. The move came a day after beaches were shut in the neighbouring emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah due to an oil spill at sea.
The beach closures were announced by the Department of Public Services in a statement released by Ras Al Khaimah Police headquarters. The reasons for the decision were not specified.
On 23 October, the United Arab Emirates said work was under way to contain an oil leak from a tanker off the coast. The country’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is carrying out an environmental assessment.
The ministry said all beaches and coastal areas of the city of Umm Al Quwain had been temporarily closed until inspections by technical teams are completed and the necessary safety measures and protections for the marine environment are determined. Fishermen and other sea users were urged to avoid affected areas and follow official instructions.
In Sharjah, the Al Hamriyah beach, located on the UAE’s northern coast near the border with Umm Al Quwain, was temporarily closed for safety reasons.
Residents in parts of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain reported an unusual smell. The UAE Ministry of Environment, however, said it posed no threat to health. On Friday in Umm Al Quwain, the smell remained strong.
The UAE authorities did not name the tanker involved in the leak and did not disclose the cause of the spill.
The spill comes amid heightened scrutiny of shipping security in the Gulf. Since the start of the US and Israeli war against Iran, attacks on commercial vessels have increased concerns about maritime security and the conflict’s environmental consequences.
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its beaches and resorts. On Al Marjan Island in the emirate, Wynn Resorts is also building a casino resort, which the operator expects to open in the first quarter of 2027.