AL AIN // A fire in the Afghan area of the Old Al Ain Central Market that destroyed 16 businesses on Saturday may have been caused by an electrical short, the head of Al Ain Emergency Services said.
There were no injuries in the blaze, which started at dawn in one store and spread quickly to the others, said Major Zayed Mohammed al Hajeri.
"If businesses were open at the time, there may have been injuries," he said. "Security guards at the market were quick to call us when the fire first erupted."
The emergency call sent four ambulances - one of them a 20-patient bus-sized vehicle, in case there were multiple victims - to the scene, along with half a dozen police cars and eight fire trucks. Responders fought to prevent the blaze from spreading to all 50 stores.
"When I first got here the fire was pretty small, just affecting a couple of stores," said Erfan Saleh, 27, a Syrian restaurant worker. "I saw the firemen doing everything they could to stop it from spreading but there wasn't any way they could do it because the stores are so close to each other. It took them around an hour to put it out completely. I am surprised the whole market didn't go up in flames."
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
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The distance learning plan
Spring break will be from March 8 - 19
Public school pupils will undergo distance learning from March 22 - April 2. School hours will be 8.30am to 1.30pm
Staff will be trained in distance learning programmes from March 15 - 19
Teaching hours will be 8am to 2pm during distance learning
Pupils will return to school for normal lessons from April 5
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
What is type-1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.
It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.
Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.
Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.