A fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in a residential building near the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai’s Al Barsha area. Dubai Civil Defence teams responded within six minutes of receiving the alert at 2 p.m., and no injuries were reported.
Officials said residents were immediately evacuated while firefighting operations began. “Dubai Civil Defence teams have successfully contained a fire that broke out in a residential building in Al Barsha today,” the authority said. The site will be handed over to relevant authorities after cooling operations are completed.
To support firefighters, Dubai deployed Shaheen drones equipped with water and foam tanks. These drones are designed to tackle high-rise fires up to 200 meters tall, providing rapid aerial assistance. Each drone carries a 1,200-litre tank, making it highly effective in emergencies.
The use of Shaheen drones reflects Dubai’s growing reliance on technology for disaster management. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (Ncema) predicted that drone usage in emergencies will increase twenty-fold by 2028. By 2030, AI will assist in 70 percent of emergency decisions during crises, according to Ncema officials.
This fire is part of a series of incidents in Al Barsha over the past year. In May, a gas leak caused a blaze at a nearby restaurant. Last December, an eight-story building caught fire, prompting evacuations. A similar incident also occurred in October, with residents relocated as a precaution.
Authorities emphasized that Dubai prioritizes both safety and innovation. The swift response to Tuesday’s fire demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating advanced technologies like drones in urban firefighting. Residents praised the quick evacuation and containment measures, which prevented casualties.
Dubai continues to invest in technology-driven emergency solutions, ensuring rapid response and protection for residents in high-density areas.
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