Multiple explosions hit an industrial area in Dubai overnight, causing a large fire and sending huge plumes of smoke into the sky. The cause of the blasts and the extent of the damage remain unclear.
Witnesses report multiple bangs
Witnesses reported hearing at least four or five loud bangs, with one person claiming to have heard seven booms in Jebel Ali at around 2:40am local time on Wednesday, August 5. Those in the nearby Al Furjan area also confirmed hearing thuds at a similar time.
Clouds of smoke billowed across Dubai for much of the night. Images posted online in the aftermath reportedly show a fire raging in the Jebel Ali industrial area, roughly 25 miles southwest of Dubai city centre.
Firefighters respond
Residents said they saw firefighters rush to the scene. One local posted online that they heard fire truck sirens, adding: "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 exact building on fire remains unclear.
Context and implications
The explosions come as Dubai remains a popular destination for British expats, with an estimated 240,000 Britons living in the city, making the UK the largest European community 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.
The cause of the explosions 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 incident occurs just 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 approved 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.
