World leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, also expressed their sympathies
uae10 hours ago
Fishermen in Khor Fakkan have rescued a stranded whale shark after it got caught in a fishing net near Pearl Beach. Videos circulating on social media show the large shark, dark in colour and covered in spots, writhing as the men attempt to move it.
The footage shows roughly 10 fishermen pulling and tugging as they attempt to move the beached fish back into the safety of the water.
Whale shark sightings are not new to the UAE, and this is not the first time one has been stranded in the country's waters; a first-of-its-kind wildlife rescue operation in 2020 helped a critically endangered whale shark swim back to its habitat, after it found itself stranded in a man-made lagoon in Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Marine Club stepped in to help tow the shark 20km away to the Arabian Gulf. The process took five hours, after which the whale shark was safely released.
In another incident in the same year, a whale shark measuring a whopping 7 metres long was spotted in Abu Dhabi's waters. Authorities warned residents against swimming and fishing in the area, while also cautioning the public against feeding the male whale or going near it, as it is an endangered species.
Whale sharks are not known to be dangerous to humans – as filter feeders, their diet consists mainly of plankton, and occasionally fish.
ALSO READ:
World leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, also expressed their sympathies
uae10 hours ago
Dusty conditions could be expected in some coastal and inland areas as light to moderate winds could turn brisk at times
uae12 hours ago
'I'm always in a better mood to work when it's remote,' a Dubai resident said adding that she does not have to worry about the hassle of being late to work
uae14 hours ago
Vehicles that were submerged in the basement parking of the buildings were still being pulled out this week by the vehicle owners
uae14 hours ago
Casa Arabe is committed to being a meeting point between Spain and the Arab world
uae21 hours ago
From stocking up essentials to ensuring safety of vehicles and properties, they take no chances
uae22 hours ago
The daughter of Sheikh Mohammed married Sheikh Mana in a grand ceremony last year
uae22 hours ago
Global Healthcare Week to host ministers, policymakers, innovators, researchers, investors, and entrepreneurs
uae1 day ago