After Oil Tanker Spill, Multiple Locations in UAE Close Beaches

After an oil tanker spill occurred in waters near the United Arab Emirates, as of the 24th, three of the UAE's seven emirates have announced the closure of their beaches. The public services department and police of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah issued a statement on the 24th announcing that all beaches within the emirate will be closed indefinitely until further notice. The statement did not explain the reason. Around Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain announced on the 23rd the temporary closure of all beaches and coastal areas, urging fishermen and other maritime workers not to go to sea. The Emirate of Sharjah also announced the temporary closure of a public beach adjacent to Umm Al Quwain for precautionary purposes.