Fire engulfs The Gulf Pearl Tower in Sharjah – in pictures

  • The Gulf Pearl Tower, a high-rise residential building in Sharjah, caught fire on Thursday. It claimed five lives. All photos: Leslie Pableo for The National
    The Gulf Pearl Tower, a high-rise residential building in Sharjah, caught fire on Thursday. It claimed five lives. All photos: Leslie Pableo for The National
  • Residents affected by the fire were leave the building on Thursday night
    Residents affected by the fire were leave the building on Thursday night
  • Najed Nujumuddin, left, and his friend Noufal Faziludeen both live in the building and escaped on Thursday night
    Najed Nujumuddin, left, and his friend Noufal Faziludeen both live in the building and escaped on Thursday night
  • Ranjeet, right, will stay with a friend until he can return to his apartment
    Ranjeet, right, will stay with a friend until he can return to his apartment
  • Mr Nujumuddin, left, said it took his wife and young child 10 minutes to escape and that they were helped out by a delivery driver
    Mr Nujumuddin, left, said it took his wife and young child 10 minutes to escape and that they were helped out by a delivery driver
  • At least 156 people have been forced to stay in temporary accommodation at a nearby hotel due to fire damage to their homes
    At least 156 people have been forced to stay in temporary accommodation at a nearby hotel due to fire damage to their homes
  • A further 44 people suffered injuries in the fire, with 17 requiring hospital treatment
    A further 44 people suffered injuries in the fire, with 17 requiring hospital treatment