Oil spill from a damaged tanker widens off the UAE coast, forcing more beach closures across the northern emirates

Experts trace the leak to the Gem No.2, a tanker hit by an unidentified projectile in September that then caught fire. EU Copernicus images dated October 24 show dark slicks creeping up to the Umm Al Quwain shoreline. Ras Al Khaimah, famed for its luxury resorts, has shut every beach until further notice. UAE authorities have still not named the vessel or explained the cause.

October was the worst month yet for shipping attacks around the Strait of Hormuz.

Sharjah shut Al Hamriyah Beach while Umm Al Quwain closed its entire coastline.

Professor Nidal Hilal of NYU Abu Dhabi warns of a 'serious environmental concern' for Gulf dolphins and turtles.