Authorities in the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed every beach and coastal area across Umm Al Quwain after a tanker spill affected the emirate’s shore, prompting a coordinated response. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said a system used for technical monitoring and environmental assessment detected the spill.
Response teams are coordinating with local and federal authorities to limit the spill’s spread, mark affected areas and carry out cleanup and remediation, the ministry said. Coastal surveys and environmental assessments are continuing.
The ministry said odors reported in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain were not considered a health risk to residents. It also asked fishermen and other sea users to follow official instructions and avoid fishing in areas affected by the spill.
The temporary closure will remain in place while technical teams assess conditions and identify any needed safety or marine-protection measures. No reopening date has been announced.
