A major fire broke out in the Al Zarooni residential building in Al Barsha on Monday evening following a gas leak in a ground-floor restaurant, prompting immediate evacuation, temporary displacement of residents, and renewed scrutiny over safety protocols in mixed-use buildings across the emirate.

 

Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) confirmed that the fire was controlled “in record time.” The incident originated from Pearl View Restaurant and Cafeteria on the ground floor of the 13-storey Al Zarooni building on Halim Street in Barsha 1. Thick plumes of smoke were seen billowing from the lower floors, according to eyewitness footage reviewed by The Law Reporters.

 

The fire alarm was reportedly triggered around 8:40 PM, shortly after multiple residents heard a loud explosion in and around the building. Several witnesses initially believed the noise was due to a lift malfunction but quickly realised the gravity of the situation as smoke engulfed parts of the premises.

 

Swift Emergency Response

Civil Defence teams arrived within minutes, rapidly evacuating residents and containing the blaze. “Responders were on the scene in just five minutes,” said one resident who lives in a nearby building. “They acted quickly to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent towers.”

 

DCD stated that social media platform X confirmed that a gas leak had caused the fire and commended the swift response of emergency personnel.

 

As a precautionary measure, power was temporarily cut off in surrounding buildings, including the adjacent Al Ansari Tower. “Electricity was cut by 8:45 PM and restored over an hour later,” a resident said, adding that police had cordoned off the area and begun dispersing crowds by then.

 

Residents Displaced, Injuries Reported

While no fatalities were confirmed at the time of writing, multiple residents sustained injuries. A Kenyan expat said her friend was rushed to the hospital after inhaling smoke. “Her flatmates felt the heat on the third floor. That’s how intense it was.”

 

Another resident, Sharon, described how she was jolted awake. “I thought it was an earthquake. Glass was everywhere, and some people were injured,” she said.

 

Many displaced residents sought temporary shelter with friends and family. “A friend who lives nearby gave me a place to stay,” said Rob, a Filipino resident on the first floor of the building.

 

Recurring Safety Concerns in the Area

The Al Zarooni building is just 100 metres from another residential tower that caught fire in December 2022. Though the two incidents are not directly related, the recurrence of such events rarely raises serious concerns about compliance with fire safety regulations in densely populated zones like Al Barsha.

 

This incident further underscores the risks of operating high-density residential and commercial properties in shared structures.

 

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The UAE strictly complies with fire safety regulations under Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the Protection and Development of the Environment and Dubai Civil Defence guidelines regarding fire prevention in residential and commercial buildings. Entities operating gas-powered equipment must undergo regular inspections and maintenance, particularly in food establishments.

 

Failure to comply with these regulations can attract significant penalties under Dubai Municipality's Code of Violations. These include administrative fines, license suspension, or potential criminal liability in the event of gross negligence.

 

In this instance, authorities must investigate whether Pearl View Restaurant met the required safety checks and maintenance protocols for gas equipment and fire prevention systems. Depending on findings, liability could also extend to property management if systemic lapses are identified.

 

Legal Ramifications for Tenants and Landlords

Residents affected by the fire may be entitled to compensation for physical injury, property damage, or emotional distress, depending on the outcome of investigations and any established negligence. Under Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (UAE Civil Transactions Law), a harmed party can claim damages arising from another's fault or neglect.

 

Building owners and landlords must ensure that commercial tenants comply with safety and licensing standards. In mixed-use buildings, the stakes are higher, as one entity's non-compliance can endanger dozens of residential units.

 

Businesses operating in such properties are advised to regularly review lease agreements, insurance coverage, and compliance documents to ensure legal protection during accidents or emergencies.

 

Expert Commentary

The Fire Insurance lawyer in Dubai, Mr. Sunil Ambalavelil, Managing Partner at NYK Law Firm, provided insight into the legal obligations of businesses and landlords in such scenarios:

 

“A gas explosion that results in harm to third-party residents can result in civil and potentially criminal liability. Operators of commercial establishments, especially those dealing with combustible materials, have a high legal duty of care. Any breach of safety protocols can expose the building’s property management to litigation and regulatory scrutiny.”

 

He added that in the aftermath of such incidents, “Affected residents should retain medical and property loss documentation and engage legal counsel to explore potential claims.”

 

Building Inspections Likely to Intensify

In the wake of the fire, authorities are expected to intensify random inspections across commercial and mixed-use buildings in Dubai, focusing on restaurants using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems.

 

The Dubai Municipality, in coordination with Dubai Civil Defence, periodically inspects gas storage and kitchen equipment. However, this incident may prompt a review of inspection frequency, protocols, and tenant compliance records.

 

Final Word: Safety, Accountability, and Preparedness

As the official investigation progresses, the incident at the Al Zarooni building serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance, tenant accountability, and emergency preparedness in urban environments. With no lives lost, the swift response of Civil Defence was commendable. However, the repercussions for affected families and businesses are ongoing.

 

Legal experts urge commercial tenants and landlords to re-examine their risk exposure and compliance frameworks. At a broader level, this case may become a catalyst for more robust enforcement and revised regulations in high-density zones across the UAE.

 

Key Takeaways

• A gas leak at Pearl View Restaurant in the Al Zarooni Building triggered a fire Monday evening in Al Barsha.

• Dubai Civil Defence controlled the fire within minutes; no fatalities were reported.

• Several residents sustained injuries; many were temporarily displaced.

• Authorities are investigating the restaurant and building management for safety lapses.

• Affected residents may seek compensation under UAE Civil Law.

• Legal expert Sunil Ambalavelil stresses the duty of care in shared-use buildings.

 

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