Oil spills from tankers Iran attacked around the Strait of Hormuz are reaching UAE shorelines, leaving beaches stained with black slicks and threatening marine life. The first spill forced beach closures in three emirates this weekend, while Dubai's beaches remain unaffected as the UAE projects "business as usual" to attract tourists. Over 100 vessels have been struck since the conflict began, with Iran increasing attacks to assert control over the crucial waterway amid threats of renewed strikes. Marine monitor Windward recorded 12 spills between July and September, with the largest spreading over 2,000km off Oman's coast. A 13km by 20km slick was seen near Omani exclave Musandam, within tens of kilometres of a desalination plant. Local authorities have closed beaches in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. The arid Gulf region relies on coastal desalination plants, though no contamination evidence exists yet. Marine scientist Henrik Stahl reported an uptick of small oil spills near Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, noting turtles could be directly impacted. UAE residents first noticed the spill through strange smells in urban areas. The environment ministry is cleaning up and urging fishermen to avoid affected areas. The leaking tanker is identified as the Chinese-owned supertanker Gem No. 2, hit north of Dubai off Sharjah over two weeks ago. Mangroves in Umm al Quwain provide critical marine habitat, with one hotel employee noting the smell and visible black substance, though conditions appear to be improving.
Beach closures and environmental concerns persist as the situation develops, with authorities working to mitigate the impact on the region's delicate ecosystem and tourism industry.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing