Beaches in three UAE emirates were closed “until further notice” over the weekend of 24–25 October 2026 following an offshore oil spill estimated to cover 160 km². Authorities in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have all restricted access to parts of their coastal areas.
Al Hamriya Beach in Sharjah and all beaches in Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain are affected by the temporary closures, with fishers and beachgoers urged to respect the restrictions. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) confirmed that the fuel smell reported by residents was due to oil pollution and said the closures were precautionary. It said the reported odours posed no health risk. Containment activities, clean-up operations and measures to mitigate environmental damage were ongoing, it added.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirms the UAE’s technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected a tanker oil spill affecting Umm Al Quwain’s beaches. Odors noticed in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain pose no health risks to residents. Teams immediately began containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation with local and federal authorities to limit environmental impacts. Precautionary coastal surveys, monitoring and assessments continue to gauge impacts and protect the marine environment. With relevant authorities, the Ministry has temporarily closed all Umm Al Quwain beaches and coastal areas until technical teams complete assessments and identify safety and marine protection measures. Fishermen and sea users are urged to follow authorities’ instructions and avoid fishing in affected areas. The Ministry urges reliance on official channels, avoidance of rumors, and pledges updates on developments and measures taken. #MOCCAEUAE #UAE
— وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة (@MoCCaEUAE) October 22, 2026
UAE authorities had not identified the source of the spill at the time of writing. The incident comes amid heightened concerns about attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
Maritime intelligence and environmental analysts have linked the slick to the supertanker Gem No. 2. The Panama-flagged vessel, managed in Taiwan, was hit by an unidentified projectile about 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera in the UAE on 9 October. Footage released by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard showed the very large crude carrier (VLCC) burning. Its crew of 22 were all safely rescued by the UAE Coastguard.
UAE authorities: Our beaches are closed due to an oil spill resulting from damage to a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. ▫️ The footage shows the coastline of the emirate of Umm al-Quwain, located 30 km from Sharjah and 120 km from the Strait of Hormuz. https://t.co/i4iRVczP0q
— Sprinter Press (@Sprinter_Press) October 24, 2026
As well as potentially threatening the desalination plants on which the UAE relies for much of its drinking water, oil slicks can damage coastal economies, industrial facilities and ports. The fallout from the regional conflict could also significantly affect the Gulf’s efforts to diversify away from fossil fuels and develop its tourism sector. Ras Al Khaimah, for example, is home to a number of premium beach resorts. Las Vegas’s Wynn Resorts is building a casino resort on Al Marjan Island, with an opening previously slated for early 2027.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has postponed a series of international events, including its Future Investment Initiative conference and the Six Kings Slam tennis tournament. Its round of the World Rally Championship has been cancelled. Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has resumed domestic and international flights through terminals 1 and 2, following disruption lasting more than two weeks after deadly missile strikes by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels. At least 22 people have been killed in airport attacks in Saudi Arabia since the start of the latest surge in violence, and the attacks continue. Although the airport has partially reopened, several airlines have suspended services, and travellers are advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.
