Authorities say no need for panic as it doesn't pose threat

A killer whale was spotted at a beach in Umm Al Quwain recently and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment urged residents not to panic, saying that killer whales "do not pose a threat to the lives of fishermen nor to the lives of swimmers."

The video went viral on Twitter with many users retweeting the clip.

Orca the killer whale in Um al Quain sea ????Emirate ????? ????? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ??????? (??? ?????) pic.twitter.com/MEpYVBsWNH - yousif alraeesi (@yousifalraeesi) April 19, 2017

MoCCAE clarified that the 'Killer Whale' scientifically known as 'Orcinus orca', is a marine mammal that belongs to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member.

Killer whales do not pose a threat on the lives of fishermen nor on the lives of swimmers and are usually observed in UAE waters during their migration period.

Orcinus orca is listed in Appendix II of CITES and in Appendix II of CMS (Convention On Migratory Species).

Therefore, protecting killer whales is a priority to all member states of CMS.

According to Cabinet Resolution No. (18) for the Year 2012 on the Sanctions for Violators of Regulatory Decrees related to Living Aquatic Resources and Fisheries Wealth; anyone in violation of the resolution and captures a killer whale will face fines and punishments and cancellation of fishing and boat license.

"The ministry advises on not harming this type of animal as that will result in a change in its normal behaviour and not to feed it as it may harm it."