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Meet the whale shark that caused authorities to close off a beach in Abu Dhabi
15 October 2018
| Last updated on 15 October 2018
A whale shark was spotted swimming near the beach in Abu Dhabi and authorities had to close off the beach from the public until further notice
News broke out on Thursday about a whale shark spotting at the Al Bahar beach at Abu Dhabi’s corniche.
The management of the beach destination soon closed the beach following an announcement by the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi:
"A whale shark has been spotted by Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi in the Kasr Al Amwaj area. While they're quite safe creatures, the EAD still sent out a beach warning to steer clear of the waters for health and safety reasons," they stated on Facebook.
Residents of the emirate were advised that the whale shark is not harmful, however, to avoid coming to the beach – and if anyone comes across it to keep a safe distance.
Whale sharks are not viscous sharks – instead they are slow-moving and feed on plankton and small fish.
The endangered whale shark has soon left the Abu Dhabi waters and the beach will reopen for swimming this Friday.
Not the first time
The waters of Abu Dhabi are a popular destination for whale sharks - another whale shark was spotted swimming at the marina at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi in 2016.
