UAE oil spill: which beaches are closed and what tourists should know
Authorities in Sharjah, a city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have temporarily closed its beaches as a precaution following a tanker oil spill that affected the coastline of the neighboring emirate of Umm Al Quwain, according to the Sharjah Government Media Bureau and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The October 28 announcement said the closure was intended to prevent pollution from reaching Sharjah’s beaches. Specialized teams and relevant authorities are taking measures to protect the coastline, while residents and visitors have been urged to follow official instructions.
Which beaches are closed?
In Umm Al Quwain, all beaches and coastal areas are temporarily closed. Restrictions will remain until technical teams complete their assessments and identify the measures needed to ensure safety and protect the marine environment.
In Ras Al Khaimah, authorities announced the closure of all public beaches on October 24 until further notice. Residents and visitors were urged to follow official instructions and avoid affected coastal areas.
In Sharjah, the October 28 announcement covers the city’s beaches. Al Hamriyah Beach had already been temporarily closed on October 23 as a precaution against pollution from the spill. The latest statement does not announce a blanket closure of beaches throughout the emirate.
Separately, Dibba Al Hisn Beach in Sharjah was closed for maintenance and improvement works. That closure was not attributed to the spill.
Several hotels and resorts in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah also told Gulf News that beach access and sea swimming were restricted, while pools, restaurants and other facilities continued operating. Guests should confirm the current arrangements directly with their hotel.
What if you come into contact with oil?
General oil-spill guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises avoiding areas where oil or tar is visible or can be smelled. If oil gets on the skin, wash it off with soap and water. Do not use gasoline or other solvents. Seek medical advice if a rash develops or contamination is difficult to remove. This is general guidance, rather than an advisory issued specifically for the UAE incident.
No reopening dates were provided in the closure announcements reviewed. The UAE ministry has pledged further updates and urged the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading rumors.
Earlier, Qazinform reported that two tankers carrying Kazakh oil were struck by drones at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s marine terminal on July 19, 2026, forcing a suspension of loading operations. No casualties were reported.