An oil slick is seen floating on the surface of the water at Al Hamra Golf Club of Al Hamra Village in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah on October 28, 2026. An oil slick in the Gulf has reached a beach in the United Arab Emirates with experts warning it could threaten desalination plants as it spreads. UAE authorities on October 23 said they had "detected a tanker oil spill affecting Umm Al Quwain's beaches", referring to an emirate north of Dubai. Experts from NGOs including Dutch peace group PAX said the tanker GEM NO.2 spilled oil after it was attacked on October 9. They warned the slick could affect operations at UAE desalination plants, crucial for supplying water to the Gulf country. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) /