Two popular beaches in Dubai have been closed by marine environment officers, as the 'red tide' algal bloom spread along the coast.

Beaches near the Burj Al Arab and the Umm Suqeim park would be closed, said Dubai Municipality, even as officers in Abu Dhabi were working on a detailed response should the bloom approach Abu Dhabi, according to a report in The National.

“The latest report we received in the afternoon showed that these beaches were subjected to the red tide and we have asked the coastal zone management section to close the beach areas,” said Mohammed Abdul Rahman Hassan, head of Dubai’s Marine Environment and Wildlife Section.

The algae found in Dubai is Cochlodinium Polykrikoides, which has been plaguing Fujairah and Ras al Khaimah for months. It destroys marine life, including hundreds of tonnes of fish.

In its toxic form the algae can cause breathing irritation, sore throat and itchy red eyes in swimmers. Eating seafood from the infected water can also be harmful.

Of the 20 species of algae common in UAE waters, nine are toxic, said the state news agency WAM.