Explosions have hit an industrial area of Dubai overnight, but it remains unclear what caused them and the scale of the damage done
Smoke filled the Dubai sky early on Wednesday
Half a dozen explosions have reportedly hit Dubai overnight as witnesses say an inferno is raging and creating ‘huge smoke’ in the Emirati city.
Multiple witnesses said they heard ‘at least four or five’ bangs, with one claiming they heard ‘seven booms’ in Jebel Ali, at around 2:40am local time on Wednesday, August 5 (11:40pm on Tuesday, August 4 in the UK). Those in nearby Al Furjan also confirmed they heard ‘thuds’ at a similar time.
Clouds of smoke billowed across Dubai for much of the night, with images posted online in the aftermath of the explosions reportedly show a fire raging in the Jebel Ali industrial area, roughly 25 miles to the south west of Dubai city centre.
Neighbours said they saw firefighters race to the scene. One local posted online that they ‘heard fire truck sirens’. They added: “It’s in the Jebel Ali industrial area, I can see the building on fire.
“The last boom, the seventh one, was like 20 minutes ago. Authorities are responding, I heard fire truck sirens.”
A road in the area, 47 Street, appears to be closed. It is home to a gas storage facility, although the identity of the exact building on fire remains unclear.
Emiratis and Brits in Dubai alike are waking up to another day of turmoil in the region. The city is a popular location for British expats, with an estimated 240,000 calling the Emirati city home, making the UK the largest community of Europeans in the country.
Jebel Ali is a crucial shopping hub, home to the artificial archipelago Palm Jebel Ali, and a free trade zone next to the world’s largest man-made harbour so international shipping can flow freely.
Smoke billowing over Dubai on Tuesday night
It remains unclear how the explosions unfolded, as their cause has not yet been explained by authorities.
Iranian media has claimed Yemeni Houthis are behind an orchestrated attack on the area, but other Middle Eastern sources say the fire is down to an industrial accident.
The Houthis have sided with Iran in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The fire comes a few hours before a crucial day in negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is partially blocked.
Oman and Iran are said to be close to finalising a deal to fully reopen the Strait, according to Reuters . The agreement would see ships enter the Strait under a route approved by Iran, and leave via a route rubber-stamped by Oman.
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump said he was suspending planned military action to allow peace and trade talks to continue. American government figures have hinted they are optimistic a deal, brokered by Qatar, is close to being reached over reopening the Strait, which is vital for international shipping and oil prices.
The government of Dubai has been contacted for comment.
