UAE oil spill: Dubai beaches remain open as northern emirates shut coastlines
By Business & Property Desk2 min read
Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach was open and busy on Friday, offering reassurance to beachgoers after a tanker oil spill led to coastal closures across several northern emirates earlier in the week.
A Gulf News team visiting the beach on Friday morning found swimmers, sunbathers and families enjoying the sea under clear skies, with the usual lifeguards and swimming-zone flags in place. More visitors arrived as the morning progressed, setting up umbrellas and towels along the sand.
Northern emirates closures
On 23 October, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) confirmed that an oil spill from a tanker had been detected off the coast of Umm Al Quwain. Authorities in several northern emirates responded by restricting access to beaches and coastal areas.
More than 35 beaches and coastal stretches across Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah are now closed or have restricted access. Ras Al Khaimah shut all its public beaches on 24 October until further notice. Umm Al Quwain had already closed its beaches and coastal areas earlier. Sharjah initially closed Al Hamriyah Beach as a precaution, then extended the closures to other beaches in the emirate.
Authorities’ response
No reopening dates have been announced for Umm Al Quwain or Ras Al Khaimah. Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah said a further announcement would depend on conditions. Several hotels and resorts in the affected emirates have restricted beach access and sea swimming, though pools, restaurants and other facilities remain open.
The ministry stated that the odours reported by residents in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ajman did not pose a health risk.
Beach scene in Dubai
None of the closures announced so far apply to Dubai’s beaches. At Jumeirah, the morning followed its usual pattern: couples, friends and families spread along the sand, some swimming, others relaxing under umbrellas. Lifeguards were on duty and flags marked the swimming areas as usual.
The turnout comes as temperatures begin to ease after the summer. On Friday, Jumeirah Beach looked much as it typically does at this time of year, with people spending the morning by the sea.
