Khor Fakkan Beach Reopens Following Oil Spill Cleanup
Al Zubarah Beach in Khor Fakkan is now accessible to the public after the successful removal of oil contamination.
Al Zubarah Beach in Khor Fakkan, part of Sharjah's coastline, has been reopened to the public after an oil spill incident forced its temporary closure.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, confirmed the cleanup and indicated that the oil involved was of a light nature, although its origin remains unidentified.
The Khorfakkan City Municipality had previously banned swimming at the beach due to concerns over safety and environmental impact, having detected oil slicks contaminating the shoreline.
Precautionary measures included the deployment of red flags along the beach, indicating a ban on swimming and advising beachgoers to stay out of the water until further notice.
The municipality highlighted the risks posed to both public health and marine life, describing the situation as a serious environmental threat.
In a coordinated effort, environmental and emergency response teams worked continuously to evaluate the spill's extent, identify its source, and mitigate its impact.
Lifeguards were also instructed to avoid entering the water until it was deemed safe again.
Violators of the swimming ban faced legal repercussions as part of the municipality's strict enforcement of safety measures.
To support ongoing environmental research and conservation efforts, the municipality has encouraged community members, particularly fishermen and beach visitors, to report any signs of pollution or ecological anomalies.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance regarding environmental health and safety along the coast of Sharjah.
In a separate development, Dubai’s Tadweer facility has showcased advancements in waste management, particularly through a biogas initiative aimed at converting organic waste into renewable energy.
During a recent visit by Eng.
Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, the biogas facility was highlighted as an innovative model that addresses both waste disposal and energy needs.
Since its establishment, Tadweer has diverted over 5.2 million tons of municipal solid waste from landfills and produced more than 90,000 tons of compost.
This initiative aligns with Dubai's broader sustainability goals and its Integrated Waste Management Strategy for the years 2021 to 2041. In conjunction with celebrating biodiversity on May 22, Dr. Amina Abdullah Al-Dhahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to preserving its rich natural ecosystems through the establishment of 49 protected areas covering over 15% of its land.
The UAE's national strategies aimed at biodiversity, desertification, and coastal sustainability reflect a long-term vision for environmental preservation in alignment with global biodiversity targets.