UAE: Ras Al Khaimah Closes All Beaches Due to Offshore Oil Spill

All beaches in Ras Al Khaimah have been closed until further notice following an offshore tanker oil spill affecting the northern UAE.

Authorities in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates have announced the closure of all beaches until further notice due to an offshore oil spill from a tanker, as reported by The National and Dawn.

The move follows beach closures in the neighboring emirates of Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah, where Al Hamriyah Beach was shut as a precaution. The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated that containment efforts are underway alongside an environmental assessment, while urging fishermen and seafarers to avoid affected areas. Residents reported pungent odors, but authorities emphasized there is no public health risk.

The identity of the tanker involved and the cause of the spill have not yet been released.