Umm Al Quwain closes all beaches after oil spill from tanker; cleanup begins
All beaches and coastal areas in the emirate of Umm Al Quwain have been shut temporarily after an oil leak from a tanker, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced.
Detection and Response
The spill was first spotted by the UAE’s technical monitoring and environmental assessment system. Authorities immediately activated a response to contain the oil and minimise harm to the marine environment, the ministry said in a statement.
Teams from local and federal agencies have started containment, cordoning, cleaning and remediation work along the affected shoreline.
Environmental Assessments Under Way
The ministry stated that precautionary surveys of the coast, along with ongoing monitoring and environmental evaluations, are being carried out to measure the spill’s full impact and to decide what steps are needed to safeguard marine life.
The temporary closure will remain in effect until technical teams finish their assessments and put in place the required safety and environmental protection measures, according to the ministry.
Odours and Public Advice
Regarding odours reported in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, the ministry assured residents that the smells do not present any health risks.
Fishermen and others using the sea have been told to follow official instructions and to avoid fishing in the affected zones while cleanup operations continue.
The ministry urged the public to rely solely on official sources for information and to refrain from spreading rumours. It added that further updates on the situation and the measures being taken would be issued as they become available.
