Over the previous two days, several businesses have been requested to forbid customers from entering the water, and others have even entirely closed their beaches.
After two orcas, popularly known as killer whales, were discovered off the coast of Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, May 9, hotels and households in the UAE Capital were encouraged to relax their prohibitions on beach swimming and sea activities.
Some businesses were requested to forbid customers from entering the water over the previous two days, and some even shut down their beaches entirely.
However, according to an email from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) that Khaleej Times was able to receive, hotel operators are now allowed to continue marine activities as long as they adhere to rigorous regulations.
“Swimming activities may resume in your respective establishment’s beach with several recommendations,” the email read.
According to the directive, lifeguards are required to keep an eye out for orca whales and to warn visitors to exit the water as soon as one is detected. Additionally, hotels are required to notify DCT of any whale sightings.
An unusual sighting
Ahmed Afifi, an Egyptian living in Abu Dhabi, initially recorded the orcas on camera and posted it to social media while they were out fishing with four buddies.
On May 11, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan, posted a video showing the mammals in the Gulf seas close to Jebel Ali, Dubai.
A vital component of the maritime environment of Abu Dhabi
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has advised visitors to stay a safe distance from orcas even though they are not thought to pose a threat to humans.
The environmental regulator highlighted that the species is among the most migratory marine creatures and that it has a remarkable capacity to adapt to both warm and cooler environments.
Speaking on Instagram, the agency said: “Although this sighting is rare, orcas frequently visit Abu Dhabi’s waters. This is a testament to the healthy marine life that call Abu Dhabi home.”
