UAE announce temporary closure of Umm Al Quwain beaches
The UAE has announced the temporary closure of all beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain, following an oil spill from a tanker.
In a statement by the the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, it confirmed the oil spill, and noted odours in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain "pose no health risks to residents".
"Teams immediately began containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation with local and federal authorities to limit environmental impacts," it said in a post on X.
"With relevant authorities, the Ministry has temporarily closed all Umm Al Quwain beaches and coastal areas until technical teams complete assessments and identify safety and marine protection measures."
The ministry urged fishermen and those at sea to follow instructions given by authorities and avoid fishing in affected areas.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirms the UAE’s technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected a tanker oil spill affecting Umm Al Quwain’s beaches. Odors noticed in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain pose no health risks to residents. Teams immediately began containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation with local and federal authorities to limit environmental impacts. Precautionary coastal surveys, monitoring and assessments continue to gauge impacts and protect the marine environment. With relevant authorities, the Ministry has temporarily closed all Umm Al Quwain beaches and coastal areas until technical teams complete assessments and identify safety and marine protection measures. Fishermen and sea users are urged to follow authorities’ instructions and avoid fishing in affected areas. The Ministry urges reliance on official channels, avoidance of rumors, and pledges updates on developments and measures taken. #MOCCAEUAE #UAE
— وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة (@MoCCaEUAE) October 22, 2026