Killer whales spotted off Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan shares video

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) said that a pair of Orcas, also known as killer whales has been spotted in the waters of the UAE.

This is one of the first sighting of the toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family off Abu Dhabi.

The EAD said killer whales were spotted off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

It also said that Orcas are among the most well-travelled of marine wildlife, adapting to both cooler climates and warm waters.

“Although this sighting is rare, they have been frequently visiting Abu Dhabi waters, which is a testament to the healthy marine life that call Abu Dhabi home, it added.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, on Wednesday said the an Orca was seen in the water of Dubai off Jabal Ali.

Sheikh Hamdan wrote on Instagram, “An Orca was found today in Jabal Ali (Dubai).”

The EAD said, “Ocras are usually not a threat to humans, however we urge the public to keep a safe distance when spotting wildlife and to alert the Abu Dhabi Government Call Centre on 800 555 in the case of unusual sightings.”

Ocras and Dolphins are closely related.
The Orcas were given the name 'killer whale' by ancient sailors' observations of groups of Orcas hunting and preying on larger whale species.

They called Orcas “asesina ballenas,” or “whale killer” — a term that was eventually flipped around to the easier “killer whale.”
Orcas are apex predators, which means they have no natural predators.

They hunt in packs, much like wolves, which are also at the top of their food chain.
Netizens have shared their excitement over the spotting.

Karo Domarańczyk wrote on Instagram, “How is it possible they’re in AD? They’re usually found in cold waters. Amazing?”
Kerry said, “Wow, beautiful. Thank you for sharing this information.”

According to experts Orcas whales thrive in both cold and warm climates.