Dubai Marina fire: Residents without lease contracts get shelters

Residents who were asked to vacate the temporary shelters provided to tenants affected by the recent fire in a Dubai Marina high-rise have been provided alternative accommodation.

In a statement issued to Gulf News, Dubai Police clarified that only those residents who did not have valid lease agreements were asked to vacate the temporary accommodation.

“Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defense, and the property owner are not legally required to provide shelter to individuals without valid lease contracts,” the statement said.

However, keeping in line with Dubai’s people-first crisis response approach, Dubai Police reached out to the evicted residents directly and provided them alternative refuge in coordination with the Dubai Resilience Centre.

“Dubai authorities remain committed to ensuring that all residents are safe, informed, and supported, in line with the emirate’s comprehensive crisis management framework,” the police said.

A fire had broken out in the 67-storey Marina Pinnacle Tower on Friday. Thanks to the quick action of the Dubai Police and Dubai Civil Defence, more than 3,800 residents were swiftly evacuated and the blaze was put out within six hours. Civil defence authorities were also successful in rescuing several pets.

Since the fire had broken out late at night, some residents said they were unaware that the building was ablaze.

Shortly after the incident, the owners association managing the tower announced that temporary housing would be provided for affected residents.

In an official statement, the association said it was complying with directives from the concerned authorities to “provide temporary housing for the affected residents.”

Those seeking temporary accommodation are advised to proceed to Samaya Hotel Deira and contact the customer service department. The association also said that to be eligible, residents needed to produce either a title deed or a tenancy contract.

The association also confirmed that it has initiated contact with the insurance company to “complete the necessary procedures in such cases.”