Dubai Hotel Fire Claims Two Lives: Witnesses Describe Chaos as Smoke Engulfs Building

Late Friday night, a devastating fire broke out at a hotel near Dubai’s Baniyas Square, filling the air with thick black smoke and leading to the tragic deaths of two individuals due to suffocation.

The Dubai Media Office confirmed the fatalities in a statement issued Saturday morning, highlighting the swift response by emergency teams.

Eyewitnesses recounted the dramatic moments as the fire spread. According to residents, the blaze seemed to start around 11:55 p.m., and within moments, fire trucks and emergency responders flooded the area near the Naif district.

People nearby described the scene as “chaotic” as emergency personnel worked to control the situation.

One witness, an electronics shop owner nearby, shared that he was closing his store later than usual due to Friday’s rush of customers.

“I was about to lock up when I heard shouting outside,” he said. He initially dismissed the noise but soon noticed two windows shatter as thick smoke billowed out, and frightened voices called for help from inside the building.

Another onlooker, Sharif, was on his way home from work when he noticed police and fire trucks racing toward the hotel.

“The entire road was cordoned off, and pedestrians were redirected,” he said, recalling how the dense smoke obscured the blaze itself but filled the area around the building.

Sharif watched as police and civil defense teams, in full protective gear, entered the burning building to rescue those trapped inside. Emergency responders quickly evacuated residents, and officials secured the area to prevent further injuries.

The incident drew large crowds, with streets closed until the early hours of the morning as crews worked to secure the scene.