Oil Spill from Tanker Closes Beaches in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah

UAE authorities have closed multiple beaches in the northern emirates following a major oil spill from a tanker off the coast, threatening the tourism season in Ras Al Khaimah and posing a risk to the marine ecosystem of the Gulf waters.

Umm Al Quwain authorities issued orders to temporarily close beaches and coastal areas, while Al Hamriya beach in Sharjah emirate was closed to the public. Ras Al Khaimah authorities announced the closure of all beaches in the emirate until further notice.

Satellite images released by the European Union's Copernicus system on October 24 revealed that the oil slick is expanding toward the shores of Umm Al Quwain. Images dated October 21 showed that the spill had spread over a distance exceeding 35 kilometers from the tanker's vicinity, with a visible color change detected in seawater adjacent to the coast.

Experts who spoke to Reuters indicated that the leaked oil likely originates from a tanker known as Gem No. 2, which was struck by ammunition from an unidentified source and caught fire last month. Reports stated that its crew of 22 was rescued.