Ras Al Khaimah has ordered the closure of all beaches until further notice following an offshore oil leak near the United Arab Emirates’ northern coast. Authorities announced the restrictions on Saturday, a day after neighbouring Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah closed coastal areas. Officials have not provided a specific reason for Ras Al Khaimah’s decision.
The emirate’s Public Services Department announced the closures in a statement shared by Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed that efforts were underway to contain oil leaking from a tanker offshore. The ministry also launched an environmental assessment to determine the spill’s impact.
Read more : Ras Al Khaimah shuts beaches as neighbours grapple with oil spill
Authorities temporarily shut all beaches and coastal areas around Umm Al Quwain while technical teams assessed the situation. Officials said they would determine the necessary safety measures and marine protection steps before reopening affected locations. The ministry also urged fishermen and other sea users to avoid the affected areas and follow official instructions.
In neighbouring Sharjah, authorities temporarily closed Al Hamriyah Beach as a precaution. The beach lies along the UAE’s northern coast, near the border with Umm Al Quwain. Residents also reported unusual odours in parts of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain, although the environment ministry said the smells posed no health risks. However, the pungent odour persisted across Umm Al Quwain on Friday.
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The incident has raised further concerns about maritime security and environmental risks across the Gulf. Attacks on commercial vessels have increased since the US-Israeli war with Iran began, adding pressure to regional shipping routes. However, UAE authorities have not identified the tanker involved or disclosed what caused the oil leak.
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its beaches, luxury resorts and the planned Wynn casino resort on Al Marjan Island. Wynn Resorts secured the UAE’s first commercial gaming licence in 2024 and expects the resort to open in the first quarter of 2027. The company resumed construction in March after a brief pause, despite disruptions caused by the regional conflict. The beach closures add to concerns about coastal conditions as authorities continue assessing the spill.