- A fire broke out late Friday in a 67-storey Dubai Marina tower, forcing thousands to evacuate.
- Residents reported no fire alarms and heavy smoke in stairwells.
- Emergency teams extinguished the fire in six hours with no reported injuries.
A major blaze broke out on Friday night in a 67-storey residential and commercial high-rise in Dubai Marina, leading to the evacuation of around 3,800 residents.
While no fatalities were reported, several residents were treated for smoke inhalation, and many were left temporarily homeless. Building management has advised displaced tenants to arrange short-term accommodation, promising reimbursement.
Alarms Failed, Elevators Used: Dubai Residents Recount Harrowing Fire Escape
Residents of the tower said they were not alerted by alarms and only realized something was wrong after smelling smoke or hearing from friends. The lack of official communication and non-functioning emergency systems intensified the panic as families scrambled to evacuate.
Neighbouring buildings like MAG 218 were also evacuated due to the spreading smoke, affecting a much wider area than the fire’s origin. Many sought shelter in nearby hotels or stayed with friends while emergency teams worked through the night.
Dubai Civil Defence responded swiftly, controlling the fire within six hours and ensuring the safety of thousands. Emergency personnel were praised for their professionalism and calm guidance during the evacuation process, with some even assisting residents in elevator escapes.
Despite the efficient response, concerns remain. Residents are demanding answers about safety lapses and system failures. Some still have no access to their homes and are awaiting updates from building management on damage assessments and re-entry plans.
The Marina fire has raised serious concerns about residential fire safety in high-rise buildings, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of alarm and evacuation protocols in Dubai.
“If it wasn’t for people screaming and pointing us in the right direction, we could’ve died.”
