Ras Al Khaimah has closed all its beaches until further notice after an offshore oil leak affected neighbouring UAE emirates. Authorities announced the decision on Saturday as environmental assessments and containment efforts continued.
The emirate’s Public Services Department announced the closures in a statement shared by Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters. However, officials did not specify the reason for the decision. The move followed similar restrictions in Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah.
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On Friday, the United Arab Emirates confirmed efforts to contain oil leaking from a tanker offshore. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also began assessing the environmental impact of the incident.
Meanwhile, authorities temporarily closed beaches and coastal areas around Umm Al Quwain. The restrictions will remain until technical teams complete their assessments and identify appropriate safety measures. The ministry also urged fishermen and other sea users to avoid affected areas and follow official instructions.
Sharjah authorities also temporarily closed Al Hamriyah Beach as a precaution. The beach lies along the UAE’s northern coast near the border with Umm Al Quwain. The Sharjah Government Media Bureau confirmed the decision.
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Residents reported unusual odours in parts of Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. However, the UAE environment ministry said the smell posed no health risks. The pungent odour remained noticeable across Umm Al Quwain on Friday.
Authorities have not identified the tanker involved or explained what caused the oil spill. The incident has raised concerns about coastal pollution and marine safety as officials work to contain the leak. Meanwhile, attacks on commercial vessels in Gulf shipping lanes since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran have heightened maritime security concerns. The incident has also drawn attention to the potential environmental consequences of regional tensions.