Residents that fled a blazing Dubai Marina tower on Friday have recounted their ordeal as the community rallies round to help.
They described friends and fellow residents banging on doors warning of a fire as the smell of smoke descended through Marina Pinnacle tower.
Some even had no idea about the blaze until residents of neighbouring towers warned them.
Video footage seen by The National shows rows of people descending down the stairs in the building known informally as “Tiger tower".
Dubai Media Office on Saturday said the blaze affected the upper floors of the “67-storey” building and was brought under control in "six hours".
All 3,820 residents from 764 apartments were moved to safety and there were no injuries, the media office said.
Emergency services were still at the scene on Sunday with the site locked off.
A growing support network
At Dubai Marina on Sunday, the community was stepping up efforts by helping to find accommodation, supplying meals, sourcing clothes and even reuniting pets.
A WhatsApp group dedicated to the effort has amassed at least 1,000 members.
The cause of the blaze is not yet known and it is still not clear when residents will be able to return. Some are being housed in nearby hotels, while others are staying with friends and family.
Jennifer Lucero said she was resting on her bed when a fellow resident banged on the door warning of a fire. She thought it was a drill until she went outside her room and smelt smoke.
“I’m panicking but I have to be strong,” she told The National. “I can still smell the smoke." Ms Lucero battled her way out by using the staircase and then the lift. "You don’t know what to do," she said.
Juliet Galope, another resident of the tower, said residents of adjacent buildings called to warn of the blaze.
Ms Galope said at around 9:30pm they tried to leave using the staircase but heavy smoke prevented them and they managed to escape through the lift.
She has since been put up in a hotel near Global Village. Others have gone to accommodation in Deira and Sharjah. It is not clear if all those affected have been accommodated.
“They [have] given us free food and some are donating clothes and other essentials,” said Ms Galope.
Catalina Dumitru, a resident of the adjacent Torch Tower, said she saw smoke just after 9pm on Friday and immediately thought of her two friends and cat in the building.
“I called my two friends and said, 'you better come over to my place'."
Ms Dumitru said she counted at least 18 fire lorries and paid tribute to the firefighters who made unrelenting efforts to extinguish the blaze. “They gave 120 per cent to put this out. They did everything they could.”
However, many residents do not know when they can return. “We don’t know who to ask,” said Ms Lucero, who is currently with a friend. “My worry now is where to stay.”
The road to recovery
The owners association, meanwhile, thanked Dubai Civil Defence for controlling the fire.
“The owners association managing Marina Pinnacle Tower has announced the provision of alternative accommodation for owners residing in the tower whose units were affected by the recent fire,” it said in a statement.
“The association expressed its deep sorrow over the incident, stating that it has responded to the directives of the concerned authorities to provide temporary housing for the affected residents. It also confirmed that it has initiated contact with the insurance company to complete the necessary procedures in such cases.
“The Marina Pinnacle Owners Association extended its sincere thanks to the Dubai Civil Defence teams for their tremendous efforts in controlling the fire, carrying out the cooling operations, and ensuring the safety of all residents.”
It is believed this was sent to owners and not tenants. It is also understood some of the rooms in the building were partitioned into bed spaces.
A note sent to residents by the property management company and seen by The National also expressed its "sincere regret" at the incident and stated the fire had been brought under control with no one injured.
"We also inform you that, as the property management company, we have relocated a number of affected residents to a temporary hotel until the situation is restored to normal."
It also gave advice on how to access emergency accommodation and told people to bring a title deed if owner and a tenancy contract if renting.
Ms Dumitru said the community spirit in Dubai following the blaze was noteworthy.
"I was extremely impressed. People provided food and water for firefighters in front of my building. We have collected donations such as food and clothes and shoes."
Fibber Magee's, which has outlets on Sheikh Zayed Road and Barsha, offered a free meal to those affected.
“We hope all those impacted by the Marina fire this weekend have been taken care of and are in good hands,” it said in a post on social media.
“Anyone facing a tough time or needs an escape; there’s a table, meal and drink for you; free of charge at Fibbers SZR or Barsha.”
The Roads and Transport Authority on Sunday said tram services between Dubai Marina Station and Palm Jumeirah Station have resumed normal operations after being temporarily suspended due to the blaze.
In the meantime, the insurance companies and investigators are set to assess the cause and plan the next steps for residents.
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint
Greenheart Organic Farms
This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.
www.greenheartuae.com
Modibodi
Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.
www.modibodi.ae
The Good Karma Co
From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes.
www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco
Re:told
One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.
www.shopretold.com
Lush
Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store.
www.mena.lush.com
Bubble Bro
Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.
www.bubble-bro.com
Coethical
This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.
www.instagram.com/coethical
Eggs & Soldiers
This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.
www.eggsnsoldiers.com
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
more from Janine di Giovanni
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
BlacKkKlansman
Director: Spike Lee
Starring: John David Washington; Adam Driver
Five stars
The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Kill%20Bill%20Volume%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Quentin%20Tarantino%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%20Uma%20Thurman%2C%20David%20Carradine%20and%20Michael%20Madsen%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3A%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
