UAE oil spill: Sharjah closes all beaches as clean-up effort continues

As of October 27, 2023, a total of 35 beaches and coastal areas across the UAE's Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain regions have been closed or restricted in access due to various reasons, including an oil spill incident. Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah are now affected by the closures.

The oil spill, confirmed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on October 23, resulted in an immediate closure of all beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain for precautionary measures. Technical teams were tasked with assessing the extent of the pollution, while massive cleanup operations were initiated across the affected region.

On October 24, Ras Al Khaimah Public Services Department announced the temporary closure of all public beaches in the emirate, emphasizing the temporary nature of the measure aimed at ensuring public safety. Residents and visitors were urged to avoid coastal areas, with no reopening dates announced until further notice.

Dibba Al Hisn Beach in Sharjah, closed for maintenance and improvement works, remains under a temporary closure as the municipality did not provide an estimated timeframe for its reopening. All hotels and resorts in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah have also restricted beach access and swimming, per local authority guidelines.

Multiple hotels and resorts have informed Gulf News that beach access is restricted, and swimming is prohibited, while restaurants, pool services, and other facilities continue to operate as normal. Residents and visitors are advised to rely on official channels for updates regarding beach closures and to refrain from visiting any affected areas.