UAE closes more and more beaches after oil leak in Persian Gulf

The United Arab Emirates has closed an increasing number of beaches due to an oil spill in the Persian Gulf. Oil from a tanker has reached the coast, and authorities fear further pollution. The leak is causing growing concerns about the environmental consequences, while tensions in the region are already high.

The authorities of Ras Al Khaimah announced on Saturday that all beaches in the emirate will remain closed until further notice. A specific reason for the measure was not given.

The Al Hamriya beach in Sharjah is also closed as a precaution. Specialist teams try to prevent the oil from spreading further along the coast.

On Friday, Umm Al Quwain, north of Dubai, already closed all beaches and coastal areas. The Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment had detected an oil leak from a tanker there.

Residents in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ajman reported a strong oil smell. According to the ministry, the smell poses no health risks to residents.

The authorities are trying to contain the pollution and are investigating the extent of the damage. Fishermen and other users of the sea are also urged to avoid affected areas.

It is not yet known which tanker is involved or what caused the leak.

The oil spill comes at a time when shipping safety in the Gulf region is under great pressure. Due to the ongoing war and attacks on ships, the risk of oil pollution has also increased.

Earlier this month, a cargo ship sank in the Strait of Hormuz after catching fire following an attack. Other ships in the region have also been hit in recent weeks.

Even when a ship's oil tanks remain intact, leaking fuel can cause serious damage to marine life and coastal areas.

The region has already had to deal with oil pollution more frequently in recent months. In August, a tanker ran aground off the coast of Oman. The resulting oil slick covered an area approximately six and a half times the size of Manhattan.

Shortly afterward, Iran also faced an oil spill near Qeshm Island, close to an important breeding ground for endangered sea turtles.

The size of the current oil slick off the coast of the United Arab Emirates is still being investigated. The closed beaches will remain inaccessible for the time being until the authorities deem the situation safe.