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The National
04-07-2025
- General
- The National
Dubai Marina tower fire residents say ‘angels' helped them survive inferno
Three weeks after the Dubai Marina blaze gutted large portions of a residential tower, the kindness of strangers is helping residents get back on their feet. Many were left with nothing after the fire ripped through the Marina Pinnacle building, known as Tiger Tower, on June 13, home to more than 3,800 residents. Families thanked Dubai's 'angels' who continue to arrange baby cots, phone chargers and accommodation in studios and hotels. Nigina Shakirova, 32, from Uzbekistan was working late and frantically waited outside as her husband and young daughter ran out of the burning building. 'Our condition was terrible, my daughter had a burn on her hand and legs, people helped with medication and she is OK now,' said Ms Shakirova, who works with a real estate developer. The family now live in a one-bedroom apartment that a Dubai resident offered them. 'We feel blessed my husband and child are alive, that is the most priceless thing to have after that inferno. We deeply appreciate the angels, the amazing lady who gave us the apartment and is helping find a house with low rent. God bless these strangers for their kindness.' Partitioned homes The fire brought attention to apartments in the tower broken up into partitions with makeshift doors and beds lined up in the living room. Occupants said they were charged between Dh2,000 and Dh3,500 monthly for partitioned spaces that afford some privacy with a bed, cupboard and dressing unit. The 'bedsits' or rows of beds cost about Dh1,000 a month. Dubai Municipality has recently cracked down on partitioned units and demolished illegal sublets across the emirate. Authorities have warned landlords against adding unauthorised partitions, as these are fire hazards. Zahra Finech, 45, who works in a Moroccan bath and spa nearby, lost all her belongings and is busy trying to obtain a replacement passport. 'My home is finished, ID cards, gold, money, clothes, everything is gone,' said the Moroccan citizen, who has lived in the UAE for eight years. 'I cry a lot, I feel crazy, I want to go home because all the money I saved is gone, it's become dust in the fire.' She paid Dh3,000 for a partitioned space with five other women in a one-bedroom space. After the fire, the owners' association managing the tower said it provided temporary accommodation for affected residents as per directions of the authorities. It was then she realised that without a tenancy contract she had no legal rights. 'I will tell people now, 'Don't live in partition, don't live without a contract,'' she said. 'If a fire happens, no one can help you. You cannot prove your rights. I gave rent every month, I got a paper (receipt) so in my head this was legal. But I checked with a lawyer and he said that I don't have a contract.' Many low-wage earners are in a similar situation. Their salary is between Dh3,500 and Dh5,000, and they spend half on rent, send a chunk home and live on about Dh500. They live in partitioned apartments close to work instead of paying for transport and spending hours commuting each way. Lost all savings Souad Jaafro, 40, a chef at a Lebanese restaurant, has put her July holiday plans on hold as she lost her documents, money and gifts she bought for her children and parents. She slept on the street near the tower for two days until a Dubai resident paid for hotel accommodation. 'I was in my pyjamas when firefighters told us to run. On the 20th floor there was too much smoke, I fell and woke up in an ambulance,' said the Moroccan citizen. 'I have not seen my family for two years, I bought so much for them. My salary is Dh3,000, I pay Dh1,500 for [a] bed space, send money to my family, spend what is left for my food. How can I go on holiday now? I must start from the beginning.' Zakaria Abizaid has lived in the UAE for seven years and is currently looking for a job, having previously worked as a salesperson. 'Everything I'm wearing was given by people,' said the Moroccan citizen who lived in a bed space. 'Everything in the apartment is black from the smoke. We stayed in a mosque and then this angel comes in, this lady who paid for a hotel room.' Best, 35, a Ugandan waitress who gave just one name, fled her apartment with her laptop, bag and passport. She paid Dh1,800 for a partitioned unit in a one-bedroom apartment divided into six units. 'I must give a shout out to all the women who helped us,' she said. 'One lady called us home and spread new slippers, clothes, jeans, make-up, perfume on her bed. She gave us food and hugs, made us feel at home, gave us a bag and asked us to pick up anything. She told us to be happy to be alive. 'We were shattered, these women made sure we would not go hungry. They are helping us get back on our feet.' Community to the rescue Dozens of people swooped in to support the residents by connecting them with people who opened up furnished homes, picked up hotel tabs and provided daily meals. Sevgi Anar, an Australian resident, helped place more than 60 people in hotels and private apartments, and was described as an angel by the fire survivors 'My building faces Tiger and I saw what happened. I also saw a couple of boys sleeping on the ground with soot under their feet and so I split the cost of putting them in a hotel with another girl,' said Ms Anar, head of sales for a health company. 'I'm not an angel. I just want to help people in difficult situations.' Deepti Arora, head of human resources with a retail company, helped connect people who needed basic supplies. A WhatsApp group soared to more than 1,000 members, with people offering everything from bassinets to bedsheets and pillowcases. 'When I saw people sitting on the road, a couple crying and hugging each other, it really hit me,' the Indian national said. 'Our motive was to help as many people as we could based on their requirements. The community has really come forward in the Year of the Community and it has been overwhelming. None of us knew each other, we are just humans helping out humans.'
Khaleej Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'No need to leave': Dubai Marina fire victims to continue at shelters after KT report
Hundreds of Marina Pinnacle fire victims who were earlier asked to vacate their temporary shelters by noon on Friday, June 20, can finally breathe a little easier. An official from Bunat Al Mustaqbil Owners Association, which manages Marina Pinnacle Tower (also known as Tiger Tower), confirmed to Khaleej Times on Friday that accommodation for all displaced residents has now been extended until further notice. 'Yes, we have extended for everyone until further notice,' the official said, without offering further details. The move comes hours after Khaleej Times reported that nearly 350 residents across four locations—Millennium Al Barsha, Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa 3, Samaya Hotel in Deira, and Nobles Tower in Business Bay—had been given notices asking them to vacate by 12 noon on June 20. At Millennium Al Barsha, residents said they were informed by staff that they were no longer required to leave. MZ, who is staying at the hotel, told Khaleej Times: 'The staff at the reception told me not to worry. They said we don't need to check out and can stay for now. It was a huge relief.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Another Marina Pinnacle Tower resident staying at Nobles Tower, a 53-storey building in Business Bay, said: 'Building security staff went around all the apartments. They said police told them no one has to leave. Management has asked them to collect our details like IDs and tenancy contracts so that's what they're doing,' she said. At Samaya Hotel Apartments in Wadi Al Safa, where this journalist visited on Thursday evening, anxious residents expressed relief. 'We've been sitting with our bags packed all morning,' said one man. 'Now they've told us we can stay, and we're thankful. But we still need clarity. Some sort of written assurance would help.' Confusion, however, persists at Samaya Hotel in Deira, where not all residents have received clear instructions. 'A security staff member said we're staying. There's been no official notice, but I think it must be true as it's past noon and I'm still here,' said one resident. Help continues to pour Meanwhile, support efforts continue for those without any housing. A WhatsApp group called 'Accommodation for Tiger Towers', started by Australian expat Sevgi Anar, has become a lifeline for scores still stranded. Anar, who lives across from the fire-ravaged building, has been negotiating discounted rates with hotels and matching those in need with individuals offering spare rooms. 'Many of the people who need help were in shared accommodations. It's a huge challenge, but we're not giving up,' she said, while helping a couple check into a hotel on Friday afternoon. 'People are still stepping up. The community spirit is incredible.' On June 13, a massive fire broke out at Marina Pinnacle Tower, a 67-storey residential skyscraper in Dubai Marina also referred to locally as Tiger Tower. The fire erupted around 9.30pm and was brought under control by early morning. The Dubai Media Office later confirmed that all 3,820 residents from 764 apartments had been safely evacuated. No injuries were reported.
Khaleej Times
19-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
'Nowhere to go': Dubai Marina fire victims told to vacate temporary shelters
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.
The National
17-06-2025
- General
- The National
Dubai Marina fire: Resident reunites with beloved dog after 'hardest day' of his life
Ali Roozitalab was expecting a normal evening. He had just taken his golden retriever, Maya, for a walk and left her at home when he left to buy groceries. However, when he returned about an hour later, he was met with a pet parent's worst nightmare: his high-rise building in Dubai Marina was on fire and his beloved dog was stuck inside. Roozitalab has had Maya since 2021 and calls her 'the most precious thing in my life'. He describes her as kind and good with people, thanks to her growing up around his students (Roozitalab is a coach at Dubai Athletics Cheer). So when he returned to see his home on the 36th floor of Marina Pinnacle tower in flames, it was a heart-shattering moment. 'When I came back, all the roads were closed and I saw the building on fire. I ran to the police officers and asked if I could go in to save my dog, but they were evacuating the building and no one was allowed inside,' Roozitalab tells The National. 'I waited by the building to see if someone could help me, but the fire was expanding everywhere.' The Dubai resident spent all night, along with others from the building, waiting to see when it was safe for them to retrieve their items. Luckily, all 3,820 residents were safely evacuated from the 67-storey building. Roozitalab says initially he was able to watch Maya through his apartment pet camera and could tell she was alive, albeit nervous and scared. At one point, the fire had abated enough to give him hope, but then it flared up again. This also caused him to lose connection with the camera, leaving him unaware of his canine companion's fate. 'It was the hardest day of my life because the apartment was on fire and so full of smoke that even firefighters with oxygen tanks couldn't go in. Still, they were trying to save people,' he says. Roozitalab posted his story on Instagram, requesting Dubai Police and Dubai Civil Defence to help rescue Maya from the burning building. Eventually, he got a call from officer Ahmed Almurr Saeed, who had seen the post. Although the Dubai Civil Defence worker had finished his shift, he returned to help. 'He did everything to save Maya. He was trying his best to find some way to go into the building,' says Roozitalab. 'Mohammad, one of the firefighters, also tried hard to get in, but the building was full of smoke and he couldn't. It was impossible.' Roozitalab says his friends from a Golden Retrievers group had also seen the post and were so concerned about Maya, they came to see if they could find a way to get her rescued. He was added to a WhatsApp group for pets trapped in the building, which provided some hope that Maya could be saved. Members worked tirelessly to help owners reunite with their animals, creating a list constantly updated with details such as the number of pets, their appearance, apartment numbers and each owner's contact information. Captain Yaqoub Abdullah from Dubai Search and Rescue received the list, leading a team that searched every apartment for pets. 'He saved a lot of lives. He worked hard and rescued a lot of cats and dogs,' Roozitalab said. 'As Maya is a golden retriever – a big dog – it was hard to carry her, and we had no idea what was going on in the apartment.' At about 10.30pm the following day, the anxious owner finally got the message he had been waiting for: Abdullah had rescued Maya, and said 'she's alive, but hurt'. Maya was then walked down 41 floors, including the building's car park levels, through the smoke and fire, and happily reunited with her owner. Roozitalab says she looked like a black retriever because of all the soot that had accumulated on her. Maya had been trapped in the apartment for 27 hours without food and water. The balcony and bedroom of the home were burnt, and there was damage to the living room. Roozitalab says she must have stayed in the kitchen, as it was the only area unaffected by the fire. His friends called veterinary clinics to see where they could take Maya and got in touch with Dr Gelah Magtuba, who works at Dreamers Veterinary Clinic. Within 30 minutes, Dr Magtuba arrived on the scene with an oxygen machine and other equipment. She tested Maya and administered medication, but said the dog wasn't in a good condition, recommending further treatment in a clinic. Maya's lungs were filled with smoke from being stuck inside the burning apartment and from walking down the high-rise building. After staying in the vet's clinic for two days, she has been released but is still on medication. 'Maya has improved a lot. Her respiratory distress has stabilised and she is responding favourably to the treatment for her pulmonary condition, as well as supplemental oxygen therapy. She's eating, drinking and starting to regain her energy,' says Dr Magtuba. She adds that Maya is still being monitored closely for any complications, but that there are no signs of long-term damage. 'Her recovery requires continuous respiratory support with specific lung-supporting medication, rest, a lot of gentle care and reassurance for her psychological trauma. With time and proper attention, we expect her to make a full recovery.' Roozitalab adds: 'It was a miracle Maya survived. She's a smart and strong dog, and God saved her for us. I don't know what I would do without her.' He says he is thankful for all the help he received from Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, Dreamers Veterinary Clinic and supportive social media groups. 'In these two to three days, I have got so many calls and texts from those who were concerned about Maya. It is heartwarming to see people come together to help in hard situations.'
Khaleej Times
17-06-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
'Everything's lost': Dubai Marina fire victims return to burnt homes, share tearful videos
For the first time since a fire gutted parts of the 67-storey Marina Pinnacle Tower (also known as Tiger Tower) in Dubai Marina on Friday night, several residents were allowed back into the building to retrieve essential belongings, many walking into scenes that left them in tears. Salma Sherif Elhouseny, an Egyptian business consultant who lived on the 40th floor, shared a heart-wrenching video of her visit. She can be seen gasping and sobbing uncontrollably as she steps over blackened rubble, led into her destroyed apartment by a Dubai Police officer who tries to comfort her. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Salma later said, 'My master bedroom… it's completely gone. I'm devastated, everything's lost. My jewellery, my laptop, my clothes, birth and education certificates, all the money I had, it was all here.' She had moved to Dubai just a year and a half ago. 'I know others have lost more, but I am alone in this city. This was everything I had,' she said. Salma waited for several hours before being allowed in just before midnight through a cargo elevator. 'I was just lucky they let me in." Dubai Police and Civil Defence restrict entry into the tower. Tenants must register their names, submit their Emirates ID and tenancy contract (Ejari), and wait their turn. They are then taken in small groups and escorted floor by floor, with each resident given about 10 minutes to collect essential items, such as passports, medicines, laptops, and car keys. Residents praised authorities for maintaining order. 'There's a system in place, and they are trying their best,' said one tenant. Still, the process hasn't been without strain. 'Some people are misusing the opportunity by carrying heavy suitcases and staying longer than allowed. It slows everything down and delays those still waiting,' said another. One Indian homeowner who visited his apartment on the third floor said he was relieved to find it mostly untouched. 'Some smoke damage, but nothing serious. I consider myself lucky, given what others are going through.' Not everyone has been able to enter. Yasemin Fuentes, a Turkish expat who lived on the 47th floor with her husband, daughter, and three pets, said she visited the tower thrice on Monday but gave up each time. 'More than 200 people were waiting, and it was too hot. I was told only those with medical needs or flights were being allowed in briefly,' she said. 'We're still wearing the clothes we fled in. I haven't been able to get my ID or second phone.' Yasemin said she wasn't even aware of the fire until a friend from a neighbouring tower called around 10pm to check on her. ' There was no alarm. I grabbed my daughter, our two cats, and the dog. By the time we got to the stairwell, it was filled with smoke. That's when panic really kicked in.' Meanwhile, residents continue to share updates on WhatsApp support groups: 'Got our passports and car keys. Room and kitchen were safe, but the living room was hit by smoke since the balcony door was open.' 'Went to the 43rd floor. Kitchen and hall were intact, just blackened by soot. But the master bedroom is gone.' 'Update from 34th floor: Room partially damaged, hall completely gone.' 'From the 19th floor: Living room fully destroyed, hall partially affected.' For those in shared accommodation, the process is even more complicated. 'You're only allowed into your own room. Police were very strict about that,' said a tenant. 'And if you're above the 40th floor, there's no electricity at all. We were given enough time to collect essentials, though.' Despite the emotional and physical toll, many residents expressed gratitude for the structured process and the support of fellow community members. 'We've lost things,' said one. 'But we've also seen how people show up when it matters.' Meanwhile, support from the now 1,000-plus-member WhatsApp group 'Support Group' to Help continues to swell. From clothing and food to temporary accommodation, residents and volunteers have kept supplies flowing to those in need. Details of mental health professionals offering free counselling have also been shared in the group, along with access to online laughter and traditional yoga sessions held daily from 6.45am to 7.45am until Friday, part of a broader effort to help residents cope with the trauma and stress of the past few days.
