UAE: 2-day swimming ban lifted after orca sighting in Abu Dhabi

Last Updated: Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 8:00pm

Hotels and residences in the UAE capital have been advised to lift restrictions on beach swimming and marine activities that were initially imposed after two orcas, also known as killer whales, were spotted off the coast of Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, May 9 of.

In the past two days, some venues have been asked to prohibit guests from going to the sea, and some have even closed the beach completely.

However, in an email sent by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) and obtained by Khaleej Times, hoteliers can now resume offshore activities subject to strict guidelines.

“Based on some recommendations, swimming may resume on your respective institution’s beaches,” the email read.

Lifeguards must keep an eye out for orcas at all times and should immediately ask guests to leave the ocean if they spot an orca, the statement said. Additionally, hotels must report any whale sightings to the DCT.

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Ahmed Afifi, a resident of Abu Dhabi, Egypt, originally captured the orcas on film and shared them on social media while out fishing with four friends.

In an interview with the Khaleej Times yesterday, he recalled the moment the whale appeared: “Suddenly, an angler on the boat said he saw a whale jump out of the water. At first, I couldn’t believe it because I’d been doing [these fishing trips] Since 2008. I go fishing every other day and I’ve never seen a killer whale near Abu Dhabi. ’ The whale then appeared to move north.

Today (May 11), Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan shared a clip of mammals taken in the waters of the Gulf near Jebel Ali, Dubai.

Part of Abu Dhabi’s healthy marine ecosystem

While orcas are not considered a threat to humans, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency has urged people to keep a safe distance from them.

The species, one of the most traveled marine animals, has an amazing ability to adapt to cooler climates and warmer waters, the environmental watchdog noted.

“Despite their rarity, orcas frequent Abu Dhabi’s waters. This is a testament to the healthy marine life that calls Abu Dhabi home,” the agency said on Instagram.

Anyone who spots an orca should call the Abu Dhabi government call center on 800 555.

Also read:

WATCH: Killer whales spotted in UAE waters; where are they now?

WATCH: sheikh hamdan shares video of killer whale spotted off Dubai waters