UAE beaches closed, clean-up under way after tanker oil spill triggers odours

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) confirmed on Friday that the odours stemmed from a spill from a tanker. The ministry said the UAE’s technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected marine pollution from the spill, which reached the beaches of Umm Al Quwain and produced the smells noticed by residents in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. Officials stressed that the odours pose no health risks.

Timeline of events

The sequence began on Monday, 19 October, when reports of unusual odours emerged in Sharjah and other parts of the country, prompting authorities to start monitoring with federal and local agencies.

The following day, Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, said on the Direct Line programme on Sharjah TV and Radio that the situation was safe and stable. He stated there was no indication of a threat to public health or safety, and that the odours reported on Monday had since disappeared, although inspections continued as a precaution. Bin Amer added that the reports were not limited to Sharjah and that federal authorities were expected to provide further details.

On Wednesday, 21 October, MOCCAE said it was coordinating with local authorities to investigate the odours. Assessments had found no cause for concern, and field monitoring was continuing to help the smells dissipate.

In the early hours of Friday, 23 October, the ministry confirmed on social media that a tanker oil spill was responsible. The tanker has not been officially identified by UAE authorities, and the cause of the leak remains unconfirmed by the ministry.

Beach closures and public safety measures

All beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain have been temporarily closed as a precaution until technical teams complete their assessments and establish the necessary safety and environmental protection measures.

Later on Friday, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau announced the temporary closure of Al Hamriyah Beach to prevent marine pollution from the tanker spill from reaching the area. Sharjah authorities said specialist teams were taking necessary measures to keep the emirate’s beaches safe.

On Saturday, 24 October, the Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, in coordination with Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters, announced the immediate closure of all public beaches across the emirate until further notice as part of temporary measures to safeguard public safety. The announcement, made on the authorities’ official social media channels, urged residents and visitors to avoid coastal areas.

No reopening dates have been announced for Umm Al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah. Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah said a further announcement would follow in due course, depending on conditions.

Clean-up and environmental response

Specialised teams began work immediately after the pollution was detected, coordinating with local and federal authorities to contain the oil, cordon off affected areas and start clean-up and remediation, the ministry said. Surveys and environmental assessments were continuing to determine the extent of the impact.

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

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