Dahab, a small Egyptian town located on the Gulf of Aqaba – bordered by Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia – has been impacted by a significant oil spill. Photos of the thick, black tar, coating the beach have circulated on social media, prompting anger among the coastal city enthusiasts. The source of the oil leakage is currently unknown, but is suspected to be from a spill of crude oil into the Red Sea from the southern coast of Jordan on 15 August. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Environment on 17 August, the spill has also affected the El-Garden, El-Asla and Zarnouq areas in Dahab, South Sinai. “We’re analysing a sample of the pollution and identifying the spectral fingerprint to pinpoint the culprit and take legal measures,” stated Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, who added that oil waste containment efforts were underway, with four tons of oil waste already recovered and transposed to a landfill. In Dahab, residents, tourists, and local organizations have come together to clean up beaches impacted by the oil spill. Organizations such as Eco-Dahab, a small sustainable destination management organization, and the…
