Oil slick persists off Umm Al Quwain, stretching towards Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has reported a substantial reduction in marine pollution following an oil spill from the tanker GEM NO. 2. The ministry confirmed that the leak had been stopped at its source, while containment and coastal clean-up operations remain underway.
Technical teams are continuing field inspections, monitoring and clean-up work along affected coastlines in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and other relevant federal and local authorities.
Satellite imagery available as of Friday, October 30, showed that the oil slick was concentrated off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, with parts of it extending towards coastal areas of Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah.
The ministry said the response was relying mainly on mechanical recovery techniques to contain and remove the pollution. Chemical dispersants are also being used in line with approved technical guidelines and international standards to address the environmental impact.
Authorities have confirmed that fish and food products sold in local markets remain safe and suitable for human consumption.
The ministry also clarified that the temporary closure of some beaches and coastal areas was a precautionary step. Such closures do not necessarily indicate that pollution has been detected at every location affected by the measures.
The restrictions are aimed at protecting public safety and the marine environment while inspection and clean-up operations continue.
Authorities are also monitoring air quality, reviewing readings and tracking developments through coordinated efforts.
The ministry said all available resources were being deployed to protect maritime navigation and safeguard the country’s marine and coastal environment.
It urged residents and visitors to follow instructions from the relevant authorities, particularly those relating to beaches and coastal areas under precautionary measures, and to obtain updates through official channels.
