Fire in Dubai Engulfs the Middle East’s Largest Free Trade Zone
A massive blast and plumes of fire shook Dubai last night as a container ship from the city’s Jebel Ali port exploded. Shockwaves from the blast were felt across the emirate reaching as far as 22 km, as windows in residential homes were shattered by the impact. According to the Dubai Media Office, no casualties have been reported from the explosion. As firefighters raced to the scene to extinguish the blaze, their efforts proved successful as the fire was eventually tackled. Jebel Ali Port serves as one of Dubai’s main ports that contributed to 23% of Dubai’s gross domestic product in 2020, and is the Middle East’s largest free trade zone.
