“I only found out when someone messaged me,” one tenant said. “The lobby was smoky, and without help from neighbors, it could have been worse.” Another noted: “In most towers here, alarms and sprinklers work well. For some reason, this one didn’t.”
The Role of Dubai’s Civil Defence
While residents described the evacuation as stressful, they were unanimous in praising the rapid response of Dubai’s Civil Defence, ambulance crews, and police. Teams arrived quickly, managed the crowd calmly, and guided families to safety.
One witness mentioned an officer who helped residents use an elevator safely. Another praised the firefighters for controlling the situation with professionalism. “They came right away and stayed until everyone was safe,” said a neighbor who watched from an adjacent building.
This rapid mobilization reflects Dubai’s established reputation for efficient emergency response, especially in high-rise environments where thousands of lives can be at stake.
A Temporary Displacement
As the night wore on, many families stayed outside until alternative accommodations were arranged. Hotels across Dubai Marina opened their doors to those displaced, while others stayed with friends and relatives.
Some families reported mild smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals for observation. Fortunately, most were released quickly. The focus now turns to residents’ return, with many still waiting for confirmation on whether their apartments remain intact.
“We don’t know the condition of our home yet,” one resident explained from a hotel lobby. “What matters most is that everyone got out safely. Things can be replaced—lives cannot.” Continue reading…
