Oil Spill From Iranian Tanker Attacks Spreads to UAE Beaches, Threatening Marine Life

Oil pollution caused by Iranian attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz is spreading to the UAE coast, blackening coastal waters and threatening turtles and dolphins. According to Sina Finance, the first pollution to reach the coast blackened nearshore waters in one municipality and prompted three emirates to close beaches this weekend. Windward recorded 12 oil spills from July through September, with the largest off Oman spreading over 2,000 kilometers. On September 29, a slick measuring 13 by 20 kilometers was found near Oman's Musandam exclave, tens of kilometers from a desalination plant. There is no evidence that desalination facilities have been contaminated, although oil-contaminated water can damage their filtration membranes. UAE environmental authorities are conducting cleanup and have advised fishers to avoid affected areas. Dubai's beaches have not been directly affected.