Multiple explosions rocked Dubai with witnesses reporting loud booms and massive smoke. The incidents began around 2:40 am local time on Wednesday, August 5 (11:40 pm on Tuesday, August 4 in the UK), with a building catching fire in the Jebel Ali industrial area, located approximately 25 miles southwest of Dubai city center.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the explosions and fire. Emergency services are on-site, and residents have mentioned hearing fire truck sirens in the vicinity. Witnesses described seeing the building ablaze, with one individual noting the occurrence of several booms, the latest being about 20 minutes prior.
Reports indicate that at least 4-5 blasts were heard in the Jebel Ali region, reaching as far as Al Furjan. Images shared online depict thick smoke engulfing the cityscape, while videos purportedly show firefighters battling the blaze in the area.
Dubai, a favored destination for British expatriates, houses an estimated 240,000 UK nationals, representing the largest European community in the Emirati city.