An oil spill in the northern channel of the Mussaffah area in Abu Dhabi is under control, the police have said.

The force's Crisis and Disaster Management section praised a joint operation undertaken by the police, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Ports and the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities to control the spill.

"The UAE takes great pride in protecting the environment and preserving its natural resources. Such practices are a prerequisite for sustainable, balanced and comprehensive growth," the police said. "Federal law No 24 of 1999 issued by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is one of the most prominent laws in the field of environmental protection."

The law focuses on protecting the environment, fighting pollution, and mitigating short- or long-term environmental damage resulting from economic, agricultural, industrial or urban plans.