Ras Al Khaimah's Public Services Department announced on Saturday, October 24, 2026, that all public beaches across the emirate have been closed until further notice. The move follows concerns over an offshore oil spill near Umm Al Quwain, which the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment says caused a fuel-like odour reported across several emirates, including Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
In its official statement, the department said a reopening date would be announced in due course and urged residents and visitors to follow guidance from relevant authorities to ensure public safety. Sharjah took a similar precautionary step, closing Al Hamriya Beach, underlining how seriously northern emirates are treating the situation.
Separately, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said the fuel-like smell reported by residents poses no health risk, though monitoring of the spill's source is ongoing. The ministry asked the public to report any visible contamination along the coastline to the relevant authorities.
Ras Al Khaimah is one of the UAE's key coastal tourism destinations, home to numerous beachfront hotels and resorts. The closure is likely to disrupt weekend plans for residents and tourists alike. As of publication, no timeline has been given for lifting the restriction, and local authorities say they are continuing to monitor the situation closely. Travellers planning a trip to Ras Al Khaimah's beaches are advised to check official updates from the Public Services Department before heading out, since the situation could change without much notice. The closure comes during a period when several emirates have issued similar precautionary coastal advisories.