If a beach day in the northern emirates was on your weekend list, it’s worth pausing. Beaches in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain are still closed after the tanker oil spill that authorities confirmed on October 23. As of Gulf News’ report on November 6, no reopening announcement had been found for Sharjah city.
Which Beaches Are Closed?
Sharjah
Sharjah’s Government Media Bureau shut the city’s beaches on October 28 as a precaution, to stop marine pollution from reaching the shore. That followed the closure of Al Hamriyah Beach on October 23. Specialist teams in the emirate have been tasked with protecting the coastline, and residents are being asked to rely on official channels rather than forwarded messages.
Ras Al Khaimah
The emirate’s Public Services Department announced on October 24 that all public beaches would stay closed until further notice. A reopening date will be shared later, depending on how the situation develops.
Umm Al Quwain
Every beach and coastal area in the emirate was closed after the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed that oil from a tanker had reached its coastline. Containment and clean-up began alongside environmental assessments to measure how far the pollution had spread.
Where Does The Clean-Up Stand?
On October 30, the authorities confirmed that the leak from the tanker had been stopped, with no fresh leakage detected. The ministry also reported a significant drop in marine pollution, although field surveys, monitoring and clean-up work are still going on along the affected coast.
Satellite images showed the slick sitting mostly off Umm Al Quwain, with parts stretching towards Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah.
What About The Smell?
If you noticed an odd odour in Sharjah, Ajman or Umm Al Quwain over the past couple of weeks, the ministry has said it poses no health risk to residents.
Also Read: From Sheikh Zayed Festival Opening Date To Temporary Closure Of Sharjah City Beaches, 5 GCC Updates
Before You Head Out
A closed beach doesn’t automatically mean oil has been found there. The ministry has explained that many closures are precautionary, meant to keep people and the marine environment safe while assessments continue. Authorities have also asked the public not to pass on unverified reports about the situation.
For now, the simplest plan is to check the latest announcement from the relevant municipality or government office before you drive anywhere, and to stay away from any stretch of coast marked as restricted. Until reopening dates come through, a plan away from the water might be the safer bet this weekend.
Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Sharjah/Website
FAQs
Are Sharjah beaches open this weekend?
Not as far as the latest reporting shows. Sharjah city beaches were closed on October 28 as a precaution, after Al Hamriyah Beach was shut on October 23. Gulf News said on November 6 that it had found no official reopening announcement, so check Sharjah's official channels before travelling.
Is the smell in the northern emirates harmful?
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has said the unusual odours reported in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain pose no health risk to residents.
