'Nowhere to go': Dubai Marina fire victims told to vacate temporary shelters

Khaleej Times

19-06-2025

Nearly 350 residents displaced by last week's fire at Marina Pinnacle Tower are now facing a second crisis. After losing their homes, they've been asked to vacate their temporary shelters by noon on Friday, June 20, with no alternative arrangements in place.
Fire-affected tenants staying in at least three buildings, Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa 3, Samaya Hotel in Deira, and Millennium Al Barsha, said they received notices under their doors on Wednesday evening, informing them they would have to leave.
'We would like to remind you that your last day of stay will be June 20, 2025, with checkout time at 12noon,' read a letter from the Bunat Al Mustaqbil Owners Association, which manages Marina Pinnacle Tower, also known as Tiger Tower, the building affected by the fire.
Residents also received an e-mail on June 18 stating that temporary accommodation was arranged 'for a period of five days starting from the date of the fire incident' and added, 'There are currently no accommodations available beyond that period.' The message, sent from the association's customer care team, concluded with an offer of 'further assistance.'
Khaleej Times could not reach the building management for comment. Residents say they have asked for more time but have yet to receive a response.
On Thursday evening, when this reporter visited Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa 3 and witnessed scenes of unease and exhaustion. In the lobby, families were sorting through donated clothes and essentials while others sat quite.
Many residents said they were reluctant even to step outside, worried that their access cards might be deactivated while they were away. Some of the victims declined to be photographed, citing concerns that their families back home were unaware of their situation, or for other personal reasons.
Among them was Farida Farah, a Russian businesswoman, who said she had been separated from her wheelchair-bound husband, who requires dialysis every few days. 'He's in Samaya Deira and I've been put here (Wadi Al Safa 3),' she said. 'He can't manage on his own. How can they separate families like this?'
Rafael Torres, an American who had lived on the 27th floor of Marina Pinnacle for 13 years, said the eviction notice added insult to injury. 'We still haven't processed what happened, and now this. We're being told to leave like we were never here.'
Dr Mohammad, an Iranian doctor who rented a two-bedroom apartment in the tower for Dh120,000, said he had flown his 75-year-old mother into Dubai just days before the fire. Now, both are sharing a small hotel room. 'We're still dealing with the trauma of the fire. And now we're being pushed out again without even a plan.'
Aiman, a Pakistani housewife who lived on the 32nd floor, said she was alone when the fire broke out, as her husband was abroad. 'I barely made it out,' she said. 'He's back now, but we're both afraid. We don't leave the room fearing they'll lock us out.'
Aman and her friend Mysa, both from Algeria, said their lives had been completely upended. 'We're not going anywhere,' said Mysa. 'We have nowhere else to go.' Aman added, 'They could have at least spoken to us. Instead, they just slid a letter under the door.'
At Samaya Deira, a Moroccan woman said she was bracing for the worst. 'We're all just waiting. But waiting for what, nobody knows.'
Nancy, a long-time Dubai resident from Congo, said she wasn't asking for charity. 'We're not asking for the moon. Just a few more days. Let us find our footing.'
CP, a British expat who has been helping coordinate relief efforts through WhatsApp support groups, said the community has stepped in where it could, but it's no longer enough. 'People need shelter. We're doing our best, but we're stretched thin.'
MZ, who is currently housed at Millennium Al Barsha, was visiting friends at Samaya Al Safa. 'It's the same situation at our accommodation, people living out of suitcases, relying on donated meals and essentials, and uncertain about tomorrow.'
One Indian resident said that when he called his telecom provider to cancel his service after the fire, they waived the early termination fee after hearing he lived in Marina Pinnacle. 'That's what empathy looks like,' he said. 'We haven't seen anything like that from the building management.'
Another Indian woman shared how her child's school, Gems New Millennium, stepped in to help. 'They sent study materials and even arranged transport so she wouldn't miss classes.'
According to residents, Samaya Al Safa is housing around 100 fire victims across 35 rooms, while Millennium Al Barsha has a similar number spread over 43 rooms. Nearly 100 more are staying at Samaya Deira, with additional residents also accommodated at Nobles Tower in Business Bay.
Tenants housed in Nobles Tower has also been served notices to vacate the temporary accommodation.
The Dubai Media Office earlier confirmed that all 3,820 residents from the 764 apartments in the 67-storey building were safely evacuated and that no injuries were reported. The fire, which broke out around 9.30pm on June 13, was brought under control within six hours.
But for many of those survivors, the ordeal is far from over.