UAE closes all beaches in Ras Al Khaimah until further notice

The department called on the public to adhere to the instructions and guidelines issued by the competent authorities to ensure their safety, confirming that the reopening of the beaches will be announced at a later time.

The statement did not specify the reasons for the closure or whether it was related to the oil spill that affected the coasts of neighboring Umm Al Quwain.

The decision comes a day after the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced on Friday the temporary closure of all beaches and coastal areas of Umm Al Quwain, following the detection of marine pollution caused by an oil spill from a marine tanker.

The ministry stated at the time that the effects of the pollution extended to the beaches of Umm Al Quwain overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and caused the emission of odors noticed by residents of the Emirates of Sharjah and Ajman, in addition to Umm Al Quwain.

It confirmed that the odors resulting from the spill do not pose health risks to residents, noting that specialized teams have begun containment procedures, cordoning off affected areas, and commencing cleaning and treatment operations.

It also called on fishermen and sea-goers to refrain from fishing in the affected locations and to adhere to the instructions issued by the competent authorities.

The UAE authorities did not disclose the location of the tanker that caused the oil spill or the volume of the leaked quantities.

The neighboring Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain overlook the Arabian Gulf, while the extent of the marine pollution's spread beyond the areas declared affected by the authorities remains unclear.