Sharjah police say fuel-like odour ‘safe and stable’, no threat

Sharjah authorities have moved to reassure residents after a strong smell resembling fuel or gas was reported across the emirate and in neighbouring Dubai.

Lieutenant General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, addressed the issue on the ‘Direct Line’ programme on Tuesday 20 October 2026. He said the situation was under control and posed no cause for concern.

Police reassure public

“We have received complaints from some regarding the odours in Sharjah and neighboring emirates,” bin Amer said. “We assure the public that the situation is safe and stable and there is nothing that poses a threat.”

He added that authorities would keep the public informed if any new developments emerged.

Residents report odour

Since Monday, a number of residents in Sharjah and Dubai have reported a strong, pungent smell in the air. Many took to social media and public messaging platforms to describe the odour as similar to fuel or gas.