32-storey office high-rise on fire in Dubai's Business Bay area

One of the higher floors of the 32-storey Regal Tower in Dubai Business Bay caught fire this morning and Civil Defence firefighters are on the scene.

A Dubai Civil Defence spokesperson confirmed the high-rise was on fire, and there were at least five fire trucks at the site tackling the blaze.

The fire started around 9.45am on Wednesday morning, and Dubai Civil Defence officials had managed to bring it under control within an hour.

The entire building has been evacuated and people have assembled in the sand lot in front of the building.

“We heard the fire alarm and the smell was unbearable. We rushed out,” said worker on the 10th floor,

A building management representative said fire may have started in the balcony of an office on the 26th floor.

Black smoke was seen from a high-rise building with residents posting images and videos on social media site.

“I got the call and I rushed upstairs… tried to put out fire. But Civil Defence arrived immediately,” a building security personnel told Emirates 24|7.

“Me and my colleague rushed to the 26th floor. I went asking everyone to evacuate. We switched off building power and elevators,” he said.

The Civil Defence is still there to ensure that the building is safe for people to re-enter.

The tower, owned by Dubai-based developer Tameer, features offices, car parking, and a range of retailers, a cafeteria, and a gymnasium.

Image courtesy Irene Calaguas Torres