UAE’s climate ministry also confirmed that odours linked to the spill had been reported in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. It assured residents that the odours posed no health risks.
Authorities have launched containment, cleanup and remediation operations in coordination with local and federal agencies.
Ras Al Khaimah has ordered the closure of all beaches in the emirate until further notice following an oil spill that has caused marine pollution in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah Police General Headquarters said. The United Arab Emirates’ ministry of climate change and environment said its technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected an oil spill from a tanker. “Immediately after the pollution was detected, in coordination with the relevant local and federal authorities, [the Ministry] began implementing measures to contain the pollution and cordon off the affected areas,” the ministry said.
The move comes as authorities step up containment and cleanup efforts to limit environmental damage and protect the coastline. Coastal surveys, monitoring operations and technical assessments are under way to establish the extent of the pollution and assess its impact on the marine ecosystem. Authorities are continuing cleanup work and may introduce further measures based on the findings.