The stricken tanker closed beaches in the UAE

An oil leak from a tanker that came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz led to the closure of beaches along the eastern coast of the UAE in The Persian Gulf. There is a significant number of resorts and hotels there.

"On Friday morning, many breathed a sigh of relief: the Gulf News team, after walking along Jumeirah beach, found that it was open and full of people — locals and tourists were swimming, relaxing and enjoying the sea under a clear blue sky," writes Gulf News.

However, this applies exclusively to the beaches of the emirate of Dubai. The beaches of the other emirates to the east are closed, which was an extremely unpleasant surprise for the UAE tourism industry. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has confirmed the fact of an oil spill from a tanker near Umm al-Quwain, in connection with which the authorities of a number of northern emirates have restricted access to coastal areas.

"In the emirates of Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, more than 35 beaches and coastal areas have been closed or restricted for visiting," Gulf News writes.

The publication cites data that all public beaches are closed in Ras al-Khaimah - until further notice. Earlier, similar measures were taken in Umm al-Quwain. In Sharjah, as a precautionary measure, Al-Hamriya beach was first closed, and then the restrictions extended to other beaches of the emirate. The beaches of Ajman are also closed.

"The timing of the resumption of the beaches in Umm al-Quwain and Ras al-Khaimah has not yet been announced. The authorities of Ras al-Khaimah reported that further decisions will depend on the development of the situation. In a number of hotels and resorts in the affected emirates, access to beaches and swimming in the sea are limited, but swimming pools, restaurants and other facilities continue to operate as usual," Gulf News added.

According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), some Russian tourists are applying for resettlement to other resorts in the UAE, where the beaches are not closed.

"Intourist reported that some tourists prefer to stay in their Ras al-Khaimah hotels, while others are applying for a replacement. In some cases, it is possible to cancel the initial booking without penalty and pick up a new hotel. Let's Fly and Anex also help with relocation. According to the information of the host partner of Let's Fly, every Ras al Khaimah hotel with a closed beach has a guide who accepts tourist requests. Travel agents are provided with contacts of representatives on the spot. The host of Let's Fly first offers alternative hotels at no extra charge. If tourists are not satisfied with them, other options are being considered, including with a surcharge. It all depends on the availability of seats and the wishes of the guests," Vestnik ATOR writes.