Oil slick spreads along UAE coast as beaches close in two emirates
An oil slick from a tanker that was reportedly struck by a projectile is spreading along the UAE coast, prompting temporary beach closures in Umm Al Quwain and nearby Sharjah. The spill threatens marine habitats and coastal livelihoods, while its proximity to desalination plants and ports makes it especially concerning for a country that relies heavily on seawater desalination.
Satellite analysis showed the slick had grown to about 160 square kilometres, or more than 22 miles across, by 21 October. UAE authorities have not confirmed the tanker’s identity or the cause of the leak; analysts have linked it to the Gem No2, which shipping sources said was hit on 9 October. Containment and environmental checks are under way, and the ministry says reported odours pose no health risk.
In short
- Oil has spread along the UAE coastline.
- Beaches in Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah were closed.
- The slick could threaten habitats, ports and desalination intakes.
Explained simply
The United Arab Emirates is a federation on the Gulf coast, where towns, ports and industries sit alongside important marine habitats. Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah are two of its seven emirates, and both have coastlines used for recreation, fishing and other livelihoods.
The Gulf is also a vital source of water for the UAE. Desalination plants remove salt from seawater to supply much of the country’s drinking water, so pollution near the coast can raise concerns about water production as well as wildlife and fishing. Tankers carry oil through the region’s busy shipping lanes, and spills can spread with currents beyond the area where they began.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Beaches shut after oil tanker is ‘hit in missile strike’ near Strait of Hormuz leading to huge oil spill close to UAE tourist resort”.