UAE shuts all Umm Al Quwain beaches after tanker oil spill

A tanker oil spill has contaminated the coastal waters of Umm Al Quwain, leading the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to close all beaches and shoreline areas in the emirate on a temporary basis. The ministry confirmed the spill and noted that odours have been detected in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, but assured residents that these do not constitute health hazards. Response teams from both local and federal agencies began containment, cordoning, and remediation efforts right away to limit environmental damage.

Ongoing coastal surveys and monitoring will evaluate the spill’s impact and guide the implementation of safety and marine protection measures. The ministry urged fishermen and anyone at sea to adhere to official directives and refrain from fishing in the impacted zones. Updates will be provided as the situation evolves.