Dubai fire: Residents need police letter to re-enter burnt-out Zen Tower

Some tenants will be allowed back into flats to collect passports and medicine from Wednesday

Wyndham Dubai Marina hotel manager Agusti Curto Calbet with some of the clothes collected for victims of the Zen Tower fire in Dubai Marina. Antonie Robertson / The National

Residents of the burnt-out Zen Tower building have been told they will be allowed access to collect their passports and other important documents from Wednesday, according to the building’s owners’ association.

But the Pristine Owners Association said only residents in possession of a police letter of approval will be allowed in to check on their apartments.

Many have been staying at hotels or with friends since the block was evacuated following a fire on Sunday.

Forensic investigations have been carried out by civil defence teams, with police blocking entry to Zen Tower until the work has been completed and the building is considered safe.

“It is a slow process, and we have been helping owners to get hold of a police letter to allow them into the building,” said a Pristine Owners Association spokesman.

“Some of them need to get into the tower to collect their medicines and documents.

“A panic has been created without reason, it takes time. On Wednesday, police will allow people into the building to pick up their passports and other important things.

“We are meeting with the owners to finalise everything in the next day or so about what happens next.

“I understand people want to get back into their apartments, but it has to be safe to do so and the government has to allow people back in.”

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Temporary accommodation has been offered to residents at the Ghaya Grand Hotel in Sports City and also at the nearby Wyndham Dubai Marina, where donations of clothes are also being made.

"I’m very surprised that other people have been allowed in already, that’s not what we were told by the police on Tuesday,” said Nas, a 20-year-old student who lives with her sister, Najna, on the seventh floor. They are both staying at the Ghaya Grand Hotel.

“I’ve tried to get access to my apartment, but the police said it was still not safe and they could not take any chances.

“They said anything could happen and they were not sure if the building was secure.

“I need to get into the flat to get my laptop and passport. I’ve tried to speak with the building owner, but not had much information from him.”