Late Friday night, a major fire erupted in the upper floors of a 67-storey residential tower in Dubai Marina, known as Tiger Tower or Marina Pinnacle. The blaze quickly spread across several levels, prompting an immediate and coordinated emergency response from Dubai Civil Defence and other authorities.
The fire began around 9:30 PM on June 13, 2025, and was brought under control after a grueling six-hour effort by specialized firefighting teams. Despite the intensity of the fire, all 3,820 residents occupying the building's 764 apartments were safely evacuated without any injuries reported, a remarkable feat given the scale of the incident.
Dubai Civil Defence deployed specialized units that worked tirelessly through the night, prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents. Ambulance teams and medical staff were stationed on-site to provide immediate medical and mental health support to evacuees, ensuring comprehensive care during the ordeal.
In a statement released early Saturday morning, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) provided real-time updates via X, formerly Twitter, confirming the successful evacuation and ongoing firefighting efforts. The DMO reassured the public that control measures remained in place and that the situation was fully managed by the firefighting teams, even as smoke continued to billow from the building due to ongoing cooling operations.
Authorities swiftly cordoned off the area surrounding the tower to facilitate firefighting and safety operations. Nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution, and residents were urged to stay clear of the fire site. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) responded by temporarily suspending tram services between Dubai Marina Station (No. 5) and Palm Jumeirah Station (No. 9), activating a replacement shuttle bus service to maintain connectivity for commuters. Tram services elsewhere in the network continued uninterrupted.
As of Saturday morning, Dubai Civil Defence and relevant authorities were working closely with the building's developer to arrange temporary housing for the displaced residents, prioritizing their comfort and safety in the aftermath of the fire.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, with an investigation expected to follow. Notably, this is not the first time Marina Pinnacle has experienced a fire; a previous incident in May 2015 originated from a kitchen fire on the 47th floor and spread to the 48th floor before being contained. The tower is located near The Torch, another skyscraper that suffered fires in 2015 and 2017.
Residents who fled the tower gathered outside as emergency teams worked to contain the blaze and prevent further spread. Videos and photographs shared by witnesses and media outlets captured the dramatic scene, with flames engulfing parts of the building and thick smoke rising into the night sky.
The RTA emphasized that the suspension of tram services was a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety and to support firefighting efforts. "The safety of our passengers and operations is our top priority. We are working closely with emergency services and relevant authorities to monitor the situation and resume full services as soon as it is deemed safe," the authority stated.
Throughout the incident, authorities demonstrated a high level of coordination and professionalism, which undoubtedly contributed to the absence of casualties despite the fire's severity. The swift evacuation of thousands of residents and the provision of medical and psychological support underscored a comprehensive emergency response strategy.
As the community processes the aftermath of this event, the focus now turns to recovery and investigation. The ongoing cooling operations and smoke emissions serve as reminders of the fire's scale, even as the immediate danger has passed. The investigation into the fire's origins will be crucial in preventing future incidents and enhancing building safety protocols.
For now, the residents of Marina Pinnacle face the challenge of temporary displacement, with authorities and developers working to provide suitable accommodations. The incident also serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the resilience of communities in the face of unexpected disasters.
Dubai's emergency services and transport authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to adapt and respond as needed to ensure public safety and restore normalcy to the affected area.
