Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stated that coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), and relevant federal and local authorities to secure the oil tanker GEM NO. 2 following an incident in UAE territorial waters, mitigate associated risks and ensure maritime safety.
The ministry noted that specialised technical teams are continuing work to address the tanker’s technical issues, including repairing damaged sections, restoring some operational systems and assessing its structural integrity to determine the safest course of action.
According to the latest field assessments, no new oil leakage has been detected from the tanker. Maritime and aerial monitoring operations are continuing, supported by satellite imagery to closely monitor the situation and identify any developments.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said that its technical teams are continuing to address marine pollution caused by the oil spill, in coordination with relevant federal and local authorities. Surveying, monitoring and cleaning operations are underway in affected coastal areas, with public safety remaining a top priority.
The ministry reported that, according to the latest satellite imagery as of Friday, October 30, the oil slick is concentrated off the coast of Umm Al Qaiwain, extending partially towards coastal areas in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah.
It confirmed that pollution levels have declined significantly, while efforts continue to contain and remediate the effects of the spill, which has been stopped at its source.
The ministry explained that containment and remediation efforts rely primarily on mechanical recovery methods, alongside the use of chemical dispersants in accordance with international standards and approved technical guidelines, in coordination with relevant authorities.
It stressed that the temporary closure of several beaches and coastal areas is a precautionary measure and does not necessarily indicate pollution at all affected locations. The closures aim to protect public safety and the marine environment while allowing surveying and remediation operations to continue.
The ministry also confirmed that fish and food products available in local markets remain safe for human consumption, highlighting the effectiveness of the UAE’s food security system in ensuring food safety.
Relevant authorities are continuing to monitor air quality, assess readings and track developments through joint coordination. The public has been urged to comply fully with instructions issued by the relevant authorities concerning beaches and coastal areas subject to precautionary measures.
Etihad Water and Electricity noted that drinking water safety and quality remain a top priority. The company has taken proactive measures to safeguard water production, including monitoring seawater quality at intake points, testing produced and distributed water, and verifying compliance with approved standards before water enters the distribution network.
The company confirmed that these precautionary measures would not affect water supplies to consumers.
The relevant authorities emphasised that field operations and joint national coordination would continue, with all available resources mobilised to ensure maritime safety and protect the marine and coastal environment.
