Oil Spill Closes UAE Beaches Across Three Emirates

Authorities in the UAE closed beaches and restricted coastal access in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah after an offshore oil spill estimated at about 160 square kilometers. Officials said containment, cleanup and environmental assessments were underway, and urged fishermen and other sea users to avoid affected areas; the closures were precautionary while risks to coastlines and marine habitats were assessed. The UAE has not officially identified the tanker or established the cause of the leak, but maritime and environmental analysts have linked the slick to the Gem No. 2, which was reportedly struck by an unidentified projectile earlier in October. The spill has heightened concern about environmental risks to the Gulf amid attacks on commercial shipping during the regional conflict.