Explainer: How could the oil spill off the UAE coast affect desalination plants?

An oil spill off the United Arab Emirates has led to temporary fishing restrictions and the closure of beaches in parts of the country, prompting concerns about environmental contamination and potential effects on desalination plants. Shipping sources identified the leak’s source as crude oil tanker Gem No.2, reportedly hit by an unidentified projectile last month 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera near Ras Al Khaimah. Authorities closed beaches in Sharjah as a precaution. Windward said the leak was threatening the Naqa’a desalination plant’s seawater intake, about 2 km away. No plant shutdowns have been announced so far; officials have not responded to requests for comment.