Dubai Marina fire: Some tenants struggle to find new homes one month after blaze

Khaleej Times

17-07-2025

It has been a month since a fire broke out in a residential tower in Dubai Marina, affecting over 3,820 residents from 764 apartments. While the flames were quickly brought under control and emergency teams cleared the area, many residents are still struggling to find a place to call home.
The fire, which broke out on the night of June 13, caused extensive damage to several floors of the high-rise. While no fatalities or major injuries were reported, dozens of apartments were left uninhabitable. For many residents, the ordeal didn't end with the fire, it marked the beginning of a difficult house-hunting journey.
Prateek, an Indian expat, had moved into the tower just a few months before the incident. 'We were living on the 29th floor,' he said. 'But now, my family has returned to India, and I have moved in with a friend.'
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Prateek was paying Dh94,000 annually for a two-bedroom apartment in the building. After the fire, he began searching for similar accommodations nearby, but even with an increased budget, he is unable to get one.
'I have been looking around Marina and nearby areas. Even at Dh105,000, I can't find a proper two-bedroom flat. Everything is either too small or far too expensive,' he said.
For some residents, the fire not only left them without a home but also brought unexpected expenses. From buying clothes and electronics to replacing documents and daily essentials, the financial burden has been steep.
'Had to start over in a new area'
Ali Reza, an Iranian chef who had been living in the tower for three years, has now moved into a shared apartment in Barsha Heights. In the initial days after the fire, he spent a few nights in a hotel and then with friends, carrying only the few items he managed to grab during the evacuation.
'The building was close to my workplace. I could take essentials, my passport, clothes, and some work items,' he said.
'But I'm thankful to friends who helped me during the move. One of them even gave me a spare mattress and utensils to use until I could get back on my feet,' he added.
'I had to get my own space'
Lizy, a Filipina expat, initially stayed at a friend's house after the fire. But after a few weeks of sharing a room, she decided it was time to find her own space.
'I found a studio nearby. It's not far from work, and it was all I could afford,' she said.
Lizy managed to retrieve most of her belongings, including documents and clothes from the damaged building, but she's still waiting for her advance rent and security deposit to be refunded.
'That money could've helped me cover my new rent and set up utilities,' she said. 'I have followed up a few times, but there's still no clarity. It's been tough because everything happened so suddenly, but I'm trying to adjust.'
The watchman informed Khaleej Times that residents cannot access their belongings unless the flat owner initiates the process. 'The owner of the flat has to send an email to the building management requesting access,' he said. 'Once approved, the management will give a specific time to enter and retrieve items.'
He added that those with furniture and large electronics need to file a move-out request in advance. 'If someone has furniture, they have to submit a move-out request, and the management will assist in taking everything out safely.'