UAE closes 35 beaches in Northern Emirates after oil spill and maintenance

Authorities in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain have closed more than 35 beaches and coastal areas following a tanker oil spill and scheduled maintenance works. The most recent closure occurred on Tuesday, 27 October, when the Dibba Al Hisn Municipality announced the temporary shutdown of Dibba Al Hisn Beach in Sharjah for maintenance and improvement projects. Oil spill triggers widespread closures The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed an oil spill on Friday, 23 October, after residents in Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain reported unexplained odours. While the ministry stated the odours pose no health risks, the Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) Municipality closed all public and private beaches in the emirate as a precaution. Affected sites in UAQ include Umm Al Quwain Open Beach, Mangrove Beach, and several major resorts such as Vida Beach Resort and Flamingo Beach Hotel. In Sharjah, the Government Media Bureau ordered the closure of Al Hamriyah Beach to prevent pollution from reaching the shore. Technical teams are currently conducting assessments and cleanup operations across the affected northern coastlines. Ras Al Khaimah public safety measures The Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department, in coordination with RAK Police, has closed all public beaches across the emirate until further notice. This directive affects major tourist destinations including Marjan Island, Al Hamra Beach, and Saraya Island. While the official announcement cited public safety…