1.UAE confirms oil spill off UAQ beaches as cause for smell reported in several emirates

Sat, Oct 24, 2026 | Jumada al-Awwal 12, 1448 | Fajr 05:04|DXB 31.5°C

After residents reported odours in Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain, the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment revealed a tanker oil spill was detected, affecting Umm Al Quwain’s beaches.

All beaches and coastal areas in the emirate have been temporarily closed until teams complete assessments, and identify safety and marine protection measures, the ministry said.

The odours "pose no health risk" to residents, the ministry confirmed. After the spill was detected, teams immediately began containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation to limit environmental impact, MOCCAE said.

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The work took place in coordination with local and federal authorities.

MOCCAE said precautionary coastal surveys, monitoring and assessments are continuing to gauge impacts and protect the marine environment.

The ministry urged fishermen and sea users are urged to follow authorities’ instructions and avoid fishing in affected areas. The public was urged to rely on official channels, avoid rumours, and follow official updates on the measures taken, and other developments, by the ministry.

Umm Al Quwain municipality said field efforts continue to contain the effects of the oil spill along the emirate's beaches, and to reduce its effects on marine environment.

The department is supporting cleanup and treatment, and intensifying monitoring to assess the environmental effects of the spill, and take appropriate action.

In at least four emirates — Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Ajman, and Dubai, residents had reported unusually strong odours, with some describing a fuel-like smell; several took to social media and public messaging boards to discuss the odour.

In Dubai, residents in Al Nahda, Mamzar and Deira complained about the odours, while in Sharjah, it was particularly strong around the Qassimiya and Rahmaniyya areas. In Ajman, the smell was felt in Nuaimia, Corniche area and Al Rashidiya.

While some residents said they experienced discomfort, others made changes to their usual routines. Authorities sought to reassure the public, stating that there are no indications of concern.

On Wednesday, the UAE’s MOCCAE had confirmed that response efforts and field monitoring were ongoing to reduce the odours and accelerate their dissipation.

On Tuesday, Sharjah authorities also addressed residents' complaints, stating that the situation was under control, "safe and stable."

Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.

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