Earthquake recorded off UAE coast

A 3.0-magnitude quake struck in the Sea of Oman near Dibba

A 3.0-magnitude earthquake was felt by UAE residents on Sunday. Photo: National Centre of Meteorology

An earthquake recorded in the Sea of Oman on Sunday was "felt by UAE residents" but had no impact on land, the country's weather centre said.

The National Centre of Meteorology reported a 3-0 magnitude quake in waters close to Dibba, a coastal town on the Emirates-Oman border, at 12.14pm.

It said the earthquake – described as "slight" on the Richter Scale – occurred at a depth of 5km.

The bureau said the intensity of the earthquake was "felt by the residents and without any effect in the UAE".

Seismic activity is monitored by the NCM in the UAE to provide early warnings and ensure safety.

Earthquakes are rare in the country but tremors related to quakes elsewhere in the region – particularly from Iran – are more common.

In January, a 2.8-magnitude quake was recorded at a depth of 3km in Masafi, a mountainous village on the Fujairah-Ras Al Khaimah border.