DUBAI: A devastating blaze that broke out in a 52-storey residential building in Sharjah’s Al Nahda neighbourhood this month has prompted renewed scrutiny of safety standards and infrastructure compliance across the emirate.
While five lives were tragically lost and 19 others sustained injuries, authorities say the outcome could have been even worse if not for recent fire safety reforms.
Recent safety directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, have been widely credited with preventing the blaze from escalating into a full-scale disaster. Among the most impactful of these directives was the mandatory removal of non-fire-resistant aluminium cladding from building façades across the emirate – a move that proved instrumental in containing the fire to the apartment where it originated.
Brigadier Sami Khamis Al Naqbi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, confirmed that the building had complied with the emirate-wide order to replace hazardous cladding. “The removal of flammable aluminium cladding helped prevent the fire from escalating,” he told Gulf News. “This incident is a testament to the effectiveness of proactive safety regulations.”
What caused the Sharjah tower fire?
Preliminary findings from the Civil Defence Fire Lab point to an electrical overload as the root cause. According to Brigadier Al Naqbi, an overburdened transformer experienced an overheating event, which led to the ignition of nearby flammable materials. Investigators also believe that the apartment may have been housing more occupants than it was originally designed for, placing excess strain on the electrical system.
Eyewitnesses reported flames erupting from one of the top floors around 11:30AM. Sharjah Police received the emergency call shortly thereafter, with firefighters executing a swift evacuation and fire control operation. The victims were found to have died attempting to escape using ropes fixed to the building’s exterior scaffolding, some of which collapsed under pressure.
Investigation underway
A specialised committee has been formed to thoroughly investigate the building’s licensing, occupancy, and safety compliance. Should evidence of negligence or safety violations be found, legal action will be taken against the owner and property manager. The building had previously been flagged for safety issues, and although flammable cladding had been removed as part of a Dh100 million safety drive, other internal issues appear to have persisted.
Officials confirmed that 148 residents were evacuated from the structure, which comprises 42 residential floors and nine parking levels, with six apartments per floor. Residents from all floors except the 42nd – where the fire originated – have since been allowed to return.
Sharjah’s fire safety drive
In response to past and recent incidents, Sharjah has stepped up its fire safety initiatives. As part of a large-scale campaign launched last year, as many as 203 buildings were categorised as high-risk, with flammable materials removed and replaced. A second phase is currently targeting 163 more buildings over seven storeys tall.
Brigadier Al Naqbi also issued a fresh set of fire safety guidelines for residents and building owners. These include regular electrical inspections, limiting use of extension cords, avoiding overloading circuits, ensuring occupancy limits are observed, and opting for certified electrical appliances that meet UAE safety standards.
He further reminded residents that in the event of a fire, lifts must never be used, and stairwells should always be the designated escape route.
The campaign continues to target medium to high-risk towers, focusing on structural safety and public awareness.
“Safety compliance isn't optional,” Al Naqbi warned. “The recent tragedy is a stark reminder of what can go wrong in its absence.”