Oil Spills from Iranian Tanker Attacks Contaminate UAE Shores Black oil slicks arriving on UAE shores are polluting beaches and threatening marine life, including turtles and dolphins. Local authorities closed beaches in three states after the first spill came ashore. While Dubai's popular beaches have so far been unaffected, the pollution is undermining efforts to maintain an image as a safe tourist destination. The authorities strive to show normalcy despite the consequences of the conflicts.