Oil spill prompts temporary closure of Umm Al Quwain beaches

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced that the country’s technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected marine pollution caused by an oil spill from a tanker, which has reached the shores of Umm Al Quwain. The ministry explained that the spill led to odors noticed by residents in Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain, but confirmed that these odors pose no health risks to the public.

The ministry stated that specialized teams, in coordination with relevant authorities, immediately began taking necessary measures to contain the spill and cordon off affected areas. Cleanup and remediation efforts are underway to minimize environmental impact, and environmental surveys are ongoing as a precaution to ensure marine safety.

As a precautionary measure, the ministry has temporarily closed all beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain until cleanup operations are complete and further actions are determined. The ministry urged fishermen and sea-goers to follow instructions and refrain from fishing in affected areas.

The ministry also called on the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid spreading rumors, affirming its commitment to keeping the public updated on developments.