Oil Spill Clean-Up Continues in Umm Al Quwain as Beaches Remain Closed; Ministry Assures Public of No Health Risk.
Dubai: Authorities across the UAE are carrying out containment and clean-up operations after an oil spill from a tanker affected beaches in Umm Al Quwain.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has confirmed that the unusual odours reported by residents in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain are linked to the spill, reassuring the public that the smells do not pose a health risk.
As a precautionary measure, all beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain have been temporarily closed while environmental inspections and assessments continue. Authorities in Sharjah have also announced the closure of Al Hamriya Beach.
In a statement shared through its official X account, MOCCAE explained that the UAE’s environmental monitoring and technical assessment systems had identified marine pollution resulting from an oil spill involving a tanker.
The pollution was found to have reached the coastline of Umm Al Quwain, prompting an immediate response from the relevant authorities.
The ministry also confirmed that the spill was responsible for the unusual smells experienced across the three emirates, while emphasising that the odours do not present a danger to residents’ health.
How the unusual odours were traced to an oil spill
The ministry’s announcement came after several days of public concern over unexplained smells reported in different parts of the UAE.
The first reports emerged on Monday, October 19, when residents in Sharjah and other areas noticed unusual odours.
Authorities subsequently began investigating the reports, working with federal and local government departments to monitor environmental conditions and identify the source.
On October 20, Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, addressed the issue during an appearance on the Direct Line programme broadcast by Sharjah TV and Radio.
He reassured residents that conditions remained safe and stable, with no evidence suggesting a threat to public health or safety.
The police chief also explained that the smells initially reported on Monday had disappeared, although inspections and monitoring were continuing as a precaution.
He clarified that the reports were not confined to Sharjah, with similar concerns raised in other emirates.
On October 21, MOCCAE announced that it was working closely with local authorities to investigate the odours.
The ministry said its preliminary assessments had identified no cause for public health concerns, while field inspections and response measures continued.
Residents were encouraged to rely on official government channels for verified updates.
By October 23, the ministry had identified the source of the unusual smells, confirming that they were associated with an oil spill from a tanker that had affected the beaches of Umm Al Quwain.
Environmental teams begin containment and clean-up operations
According to MOCCAE, specialised response teams were deployed as soon as the marine pollution was detected.
Working alongside federal and local authorities, the teams began containing the spill, securing affected locations and implementing measures to prevent further environmental damage.
Clean-up and remediation operations are underway, with particular attention being given to protecting coastal areas and marine ecosystems.
The ministry confirmed that environmental surveys, inspections and monitoring activities are continuing along Umm Al Quwain’s coastline.
These assessments are intended to establish the full extent of the pollution, identify affected areas and determine the measures needed to protect the marine environment.
On October 23, the Umm Al Quwain Municipality Department also provided an update through its official X account, confirming that field teams were continuing their response efforts in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The municipality said its operations were focused on containing the pollution, supporting clean-up activities and reducing the impact on beaches, marine habitats and coastal ecosystems.
Environmental monitoring teams are regularly inspecting affected locations to assess conditions and help prevent the oil from spreading to additional areas.
The municipality is also maintaining coordination with other government entities to accelerate containment work and ensure that response measures can be adjusted as the situation develops.
Umm Al Quwain beaches closed as a precaution
MOCCAE has announced the temporary closure of all beaches and coastal areas across Umm Al Quwain as part of the precautionary response to the oil spill.
The decision was implemented in coordination with the relevant authorities to protect public safety and prevent further harm to the coastal environment.
The restrictions will remain in effect until specialised technical teams complete their environmental assessments and determine the necessary measures to ensure that affected areas are safe.
Authorities will use the findings of these inspections to guide the next stages of the response and assess when coastal areas can safely reopen.
Authorities have not yet announced a date for reopening the affected beaches.
Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid all restricted beaches and coastal locations until officials confirm that the areas are safe and access restrictions have been lifted.
Sharjah temporarily shuts Al Hamriya Beach over oil spill concerns
In neighbouring Sharjah, authorities announced the temporary closure of Al Hamriya Beach on Friday, October 23, as a preventive measure against potential marine pollution linked to the tanker oil spill.
According to the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the decision was taken to reduce the risk of contamination reaching the emirate’s coastline.
Specialised response teams are working alongside the relevant government agencies to implement protective measures, monitor coastal conditions and prevent the spread of pollution.
Authorities have also advised fishermen and other sea users to comply with official safety instructions and cooperate with the precautionary measures.
Fishing activities halted in oil spill-affected waters
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has instructed fishermen and other people using coastal waters to follow official guidance and avoid fishing in locations affected by the oil spill.
In Umm Al Quwain, fishermen have temporarily stopped operating in contaminated areas in accordance with the authorities’ directions.
Fishing restrictions will remain in effect in the affected locations until containment, clean-up and environmental remediation work has been completed and authorities provide further instructions.
The measures are intended to protect public safety and minimise the impact of the pollution on marine resources.
Authorities urge public to follow verified updates
MOCCAE and the Sharjah Government Media Bureau have encouraged residents to rely on official government announcements for accurate information about the oil spill and the ongoing response.
Both authorities have cautioned against circulating unverified reports or rumours that could cause unnecessary concern.
In a separate public safety advisory, Fujairah Police General Headquarters reminded residents not to photograph military installations, facilities or vehicles, emphasising the importance of protecting community security and safety.
Meanwhile, MOCCAE reiterated its commitment to providing timely updates on the environmental situation, containment progress and any additional precautionary measures introduced by the relevant authorities.
