DUBAI // Shoppers were plunged into darkness when The Dubai Mall experienced a two-hour power failure on Monday night.
According to reports the electricity went out at 7.20pm and was restored just after 9pm.
At 7.40pm Dubai Media Office said authorities were working to restore power in a few minutes with Emaar Malls apologising for any inconvenience caused: “We are working with the concerned authorities to address the situation. We regret the inconvenience caused and thank our visitors for their patience.”
› In pictures: Dubai Mall blackout
Saeed Al Tayer, chief executive and managing director of Dubai Electricity and Water, and Maj Gen Abdullah Al Marri, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, were on hand to oversee the power restoration.
Dewa said the failure was caused by a transfer of high-voltage cables from The Dubai Mall substation, based on a request from Emaar.
“During the transfer, the outage occurred, because one line went out of service.” the statement read.
The supply of electricity and water in the area surrounding the mall was not affected.
Social media users posted dim pictures of hundreds of shoppers wandering the halls in the dark.
One Twitter user, Misbah Al Khadem, wrote: “Just passed by Dubai Mall, and the exterior lights are completely dark.”
Another, Caitriona Gaffney said: “In Dubai Mall – power cut!”
Lights appeared to be out inside and outside the mall, which is one of the world’s largest shopping centres.
Many were seen to be using the flashlight functions on their smartphones to get around safely in the dark.
A Dubai Mall spokesperson said all operations had resumed and they were investigating the incident.
“[We] are taking all measures to ensure uninterrupted operations of the mall”.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
*with reporting by Nadeem Hanif
