UAE's Ras Al Khaimah shuts all beaches as neighbours grapple with oil spill

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has shut all its beaches indefinitely following an offshore oil leak that prompted similar closures in neighbouring Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah. The Public Services Department made the announcement in a statement, but provided no further details on the cause or location of the spill. The United Arab Emirates stated on Friday that attempts were being made to contain the oil leaking from a tanker offshore, with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment carrying out an environmental assessment.

All beaches and coastal areas around Umm Al Quwain were temporarily closed as technical teams assessed the situation and determined safety and marine protection measures. The ministry also advised fishermen and other sea users to avoid affected areas and follow official guidance. Sharjah authorities similarly closed Al Hamriyah Beach on the UAE's northern coast, near the border with Umm Al Quwain, as a precaution.

Residents in Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah reported unusual odours, though the environment ministry stated these posed no health risks. However, the smell persisted across Umm Al Quwain on Friday. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the tanker involved or the exact nature of the incident. Recent attacks on commercial vessels in Gulf shipping lanes, exacerbated by the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, have raised concerns about maritime security and the potential environmental consequences of such incidents.