Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake Felt in UAE: No Damage Reported, Officials Reassure Public
Residents in the northern Emirates experienced light tremors on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 4, 2025, following a magnitude 4.6 earthquake in the Gulf region. The event, which occurred at approximately 4:40 PM local time, has prompted official reassurances and highlighted the UAE’s robust seismic monitoring capabilities.
According to the UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), the quake’s epicentre was located just south of the Omani exclave of Musandam. The NCM classified the event as shallow, with an estimated depth of only 5 to 10 kilometers. This shallow depth is a key reason why the tremors were felt across the sea in the UAE.
Impact in the UAE: Light Shaking, No Consequences
The effects of the Musandam earthquake were primarily felt in the northern Emirates, with residents in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah reporting brief, light vibrations. Social media was quickly abuzz with users describing the sensation as noticeable but not alarming.
Authorities were swift to respond. The NCM confirmed that its monitoring network detected the earthquake in real-time and immediately assessed the situation. Their official statement provided clear public reassurance: there was no recorded structural damage, no impact on infrastructure, and no injuries or casualties within the UAE.
“The UAE’s infrastructure is built to withstand minor seismic activity of this nature,” an NCM representative stated, underscoring the country’s preparedness for such geological events.
Why Was the Earthquake Felt in the UAE? Understanding Gulf Seismicity
While the Arabian Peninsula is not a major global seismic hotspot, it is not immune to tremors. The northern and eastern regions of the UAE are geographically close to significant tectonic boundaries.
The ongoing collision of the Arabian Plate and the Eurasian Plate—a powerful force that has created the Zagros Mountains in Iran—generates seismic energy that can travel long distances. In this instance, the combination of the earthquake’s moderate magnitude 4.6 and its very shallow depth near Musandam allowed the seismic waves to travel efficiently through the local terrain and be perceived in nearby UAE population centers.
Official Response and Public Safety Messaging
The event served as a real-world test of the UAE’s public safety communication protocols. The NCM spearheaded the official response, emphasizing calm and the importance of relying on verified information from official channels rather than social media speculation.
The seamless operation of the seismic monitoring and alert system ensured that public messaging was prompt and accurate. This helped prevent unnecessary concern, as residents were authoritatively informed that the tremors were light and posed no threat.
Officials also used the opportunity to remind the public of general safety awareness during seismic events, even though no action was required for this specific minor tremor. They welcomed reports from residents, which aid in data collection and situational awareness.
Conclusion: A Reminder of Regional Geology, Reaffirmation of Preparedness
The November 2025 earthquake serves as a reminder of the natural geological forces at play in the Gulf region. However, it also successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of the UAE’s monitoring systems and emergency communication strategies. For residents of Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and other affected areas, the event was a momentary shake that passed without disruption, backed by the confident reassurance of the authorities that public safety was never at risk.
